Key PointsQuestionWhat are the causes of death associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution?FindingsIn this cohort study of more than 4.5 million US veterans, 9 causes of death were associated with PM2.5 air pollution: cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, lung cancer, and pneumonia. The attributable burden of death associated with PM2.5 was disproportionally borne by black individuals and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities; 99% of the burden was associated with PM2.5 levels below standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.MeaningThis study adds to known causes of death associated with PM2.5 by identifying 3 new causes (death due to chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and dementia); racial and socioeconomic disparities in the burden were also evident.
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