Air Pollution, Body Composition, and Vascular Age in Southern Switzerland: A Cross-Sectional Population Study

TL;DR

This study finds that exposure to nitrogen dioxide in Southern Switzerland is linked to early vascular aging and poor body composition, even in a relatively clean environment.

Contribution

The study demonstrates a novel association between NO2 exposure and vascular age in a low-pollution region.

Findings

Higher NO2 exposure was associated with increased vascular age (+0.53 years in high exposure group).

NO2 exposure correlated with higher fat mass index and lower body cellular mass indices.

PM10 showed weaker and less consistent associations with vascular and body composition outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Air pollution is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although Southern Switzerland is considered a relatively low-pollution area, levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) still exceed the latest WHO air quality guidelines. This study aimed to assess the association between long-term exposure to air pollutants, vascular aging, and body composition in a Swiss population sample. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 1202 participants from the Ticino Epidemiological Stiffness Study (2017–2018). Vascular health was assessed via pulse wave velocity (PWV), used to estimate vascular age. Body composition was evaluated through bioimpedance analysis, yielding fat mass index (FMI), body cellular mass (BCM), and body cellular mass index (BCMI). Individual exposure to NO2 and PM10 was estimated, using geocoded residential data and environmental monitoring records from 2002 to 2017. Statistical models were adjusted for major cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Higher exposure to NO2 was significantly associated with increased vascular age (mean delta age: +0.53 years in the high exposure group) and adverse body composition markers, including higher FMI and lower BCM/BCMI. These associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders. PM10 showed weaker associations, significant only in unadjusted models. Conclusions: Even in a relatively clean environment, exposure to NO2 is linked to early vascular aging and unfavorable body composition. These findings reinforce the need for stricter air quality standards and underline the importance of continuous environmental health surveillance, even in regions considered low risk.

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