THE JOINT EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION AND HEAT ON EPIGENETIC AGING IN THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
2024
Effects of Air Pollution and Heat on Aging
Sample size: 3464
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Dang Kristina, Choi Eunyoung, Finch Caleb, Crimmins Eileen, Ailshire Jennifer
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
What are the combined effects of long-term air pollution and acute heat events on epigenetic aging?
Conclusion
Short-term heat may accelerate epigenetic aging, especially in areas with low air pollution.
Supporting Evidence
- Short-term heat and low PM2.5 were associated with accelerated DNAm aging for Hannum and PhenoAge measures.
- High PM2.5 and low heat had weaker associations with DNAm aging.
- Joint effects of high PM2.5 and heat showed minimal impact on DNAm aging.
Takeaway
Being in a hot place can make you age faster, especially if the air is clean.
Methodology
Data from the Health and Retirement Study was analyzed using linear models adjusted for various factors.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%CI:0.05, 1.18
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website