Air pollution exposure and cardiometabolic risk

Abstract

The Global Burden of Disease assessment estimates that 20% of global type 2 diabetes cases are related to chronic exposure to particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 2·5 μm or less (PM_2·5). With 99% of the global population residing in areas where air pollution levels are above current WHO air quality guidelines, and increasing concern in regard to the common drivers of air pollution and climate change, there is a compelling need to understand the connection between air pollution and cardiometabolic disease, and pathways to address this preventable risk factor. This Review provides an up to date summary of the epidemiological evidence and mechanistic underpinnings linking air pollution with cardiometabolic risk. We also outline approaches to improve awareness, and discuss personal-level, community, governmental, and policy interventions to help mitigate the growing global public health risk of air pollution exposure.