Researchers estimate 730,000 people a year in the US lose their ability to live independently due to traffic pollution
Traffic in Los Angeles. Exposure to traffic-related pollution may be particularly important for health as we age, the researchers said.Traffic in Los Angeles. Exposure to traffic-related pollution may be particularly important for health as we age, the researchers said., said: “Air pollution is linked to worse health – more lung disease, more heart disease, shorter life expectancies and more likelihood of dementia.
The researchers started by looking at the lives of 25,314 older people in the US from 1996 to 2016. Each person was living independently when they were enrolled in the study and was interviewed every two years. After an average of nine years, 40% of subjects needed help at home because of health or memory problems, or had had to move into a care home.
The change from being independent to needing care was linked with local air pollution levels during the previous 10 years, especially in those over 75 years old. This relationship was strongest for particle pollution from transport and for nitrogen dioxide. The researchers estimated that 730,000 people a year in the US lose their ability to live independently due to traffic pollution. This was approximately 15% of the total number of people who lost their independence, at an annual cost of $11.7bn ., who led the study, said: “Our results provide evidence that the damage done to our bodies by air pollution may alter how well we are able to care for ourselves as older adults.
She added: “This research supports the recent lowering of the US national ambient air quality standard for particulate matter. It also suggests that exposure to traffic-related pollution may be particularly important for health as we age.”on air pollution inside people’s homes. They found that switching from clean fuels to solid fuel led to an increased risk of needing care.
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