Lapatilla
August 18, 2024, 8:47 am
Women are among the groups most affected by the negative health effects of air pollution (Pexels)
Almost the entire world’s population now breathes air containing high levels of pollutants. But not all people suffer the consequences equally. Women are among the groups most affected.
By Infobae
It is already known that polluted air can impact the development of heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer in people. Now, three scientific studies have drawn attention to the unknown effects that can be triggered in women in the medium or long term:
– Increase the risk of breast cancer
– May exacerbate menopausal symptoms
– It can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures
One of the studies was carried out in France. Researchers from the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) took into account that pollution is a complex mixture of contaminants from multiple sources.
The study was based on a case-control study involving a group of 5,222 women with breast cancer and a control group. For each woman, the average annual exposure to eight pollutants (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter and fine particulate matter) was estimated.
A model was used that groups participants according to their levels of exposure and risk, and assigns a risk to each identified group.
They found that women exposed to higher air pollution (in Paris and Lyon) have a 60% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared with those living in areas with lower pollution, they reported in the journal Environment International.
To continue reading, click HERE.
