Direct and Indirect Effects of Indoor Particulate Matter on Blood Indicators Related to Anemia

Abstract

Exposure to indoor particulate matter (PM) is a potential risk factor that increases systemic inflammation and affects erythropoiesis. This study investigated the association between exposure to indoor PM and blood indicators related to anemia (BIRA) in housewives. Indoor PM and blood folate status are important factors in the risk of anemia. This was a housewife cohort study; we recruited 284 housewives in Seoul and Ulsan, Republic of Korea. Indoor exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was measured by gravimetric analysis and sensors. We investigated the BIRA, such as hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC). Statistical analysis was performed by multiple linear regression model and mediation analysis. The association between BIRA and PM was assessed by multiple linear regression models fitted by mediation analyses. The increase in the level of indoor PM2.5 was associated with a decrease in MCV (Beta coefficient (B): −0.069, Standard error (SE): 0.022) and MCH (B: −0.019, SE: 0.009) in gravimetric measurements. The increase in the level of indoor PM2.5 was associated with a decrease in Hb (B: −0.024, SE: 0.011), hematocrit (B: −0.059, SE: 0.033), and MCV (B: −0.081, SE: 0.037) and MCH (B: −0.037, SE: 0.012) in sensor measurements (PM2.5-Lag10). Further, we identified a serum folate-mediated PM effect. The indoor PM exposure was significantly associated with decreased Hb, MCV, and MCH in housewives. Taken together, our data show that exposure to indoor PM is a risk factor for anemia in housewives. Blood folate concentration can be a mediating factor in the effect of indoor PM on BIRA. Therefore, folate intake should be recommended to prevent anemia in housewives. Moreover, indoor PM exposure should be managed.

Risk analysis of air pollutants and types of anemia: a UK Biobank prospective cohort study

“…Trenton et al suggested that NO 2 and PM 2.5 were signi cantly associated with an increased prevalence of anemia and reduced Hb levels in older Americans, that there were dose-response relationship, and that acute response protein signi cantly mediates this effect of PM 2.5 (Honda et al 2017). Consistent with our study, a cross-sectional study of Korean housewives showed that while the overall effect of PM 2.5 exposure was a decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), PM 2.5 was also signi cantly negatively correlated with serum folate levels (Kwag et al 2021). A recent survey of rural Chinese women also supports the idea that long-term use of solid fuels such as coal or wood may lead to insu cient red blood cell folate levels (Xia et al 2023).…”

Associations of Long-Term Exposure to PM2.5 and Its Constituents with Erythrocytosis and Thrombocytosis in Rural Populations

“…Another study conducted in Chinese cities, using both panel and cross-sectional designs, found that PM 2.5 had a positive association with PLT but a negative association with RBC [13]. Researchers in the Korean Children's Environmental Health Study observed a negative correlation between indoor PM 2.5 and HGB and HCT levels [14]. Furthermore, a recent investigation in Beijing reported that elevated PM 2.5 levels were associated with a decrease in PLT [15].…”

“…Previous reports have examined the impact of PM 2.5 on erythrocyte and platelet parameters, including RBC, HGB, HCT, and PLT. Nevertheless, the findings from these studies have been inconsistent and even contradictory [13][14][15][16]. These discrepancies may be attributed to differences in study design, population characteristics, and methods used for exposure assessment [13,17].…”

The Impact of Fine Particulate Matters (PM10, PM2.5) from Incense Smokes on the Various Organ Systems: A Review of an Invisible Killer

“…So, to prevent anemia in these housewives’ folate intake shall be recommended along with the least exposure to PMs. [ 163 ]…”