Associations between long-term exposure to air pollution, diabetes, and hypertension in metropolitan Iran: an ecologic study

Int J Environ Health Res. 2024 Jun;34(6):2476-2490. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2254713. Epub 2023 Sep 6.

Abstract

Epidemiological studies on air pollution, diabetes, and hypertension conflict. This study examined air pollution, diabetes, and hypertension in adults in 11 metropolitan areas of Iran (2012-2016). Local environment departments and the Tehran Air Quality Control Company provided air quality data. The VIZIT website and Stepwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance study delivered chronic disease data. Multiple logistic regression and generalized estimating equations evaluated air pollution-related diabetes and hypertension. In Isfahan, Ahvaz, and Tehran, PM2.5 was linked to diabetes. In all cities except Urmia, Yasuj, and Yazd, PM2.5 was statistically related to hypertension. O3 was connected to hypertension in Ahvaz, Tehran, and Shiraz, whereas NO2 was not. BMI and gender predict hypertension and diabetes. Diabetes, SBP, and total cholesterol were correlated. Iran's largest cities' poor air quality may promote diabetes and hypertension. PM2.5 impacts many cities' outcomes. Therefore, politicians and specialists have to control air pollution.

Keywords: Air pollution; diabetes mellitus; hypertension.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Air Pollutants* / analysis
  • Air Pollution* / adverse effects
  • Air Pollution* / analysis
  • Cities* / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / etiology
  • Environmental Exposure* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / epidemiology
  • Hypertension* / etiology
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Particulate Matter* / analysis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Particulate Matter