[Association of exposure to fine particulate matter and its components with frailty in middle-aged and older adults in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas].

Objective

To investigate the association of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its components with frailty in middle-aged and older adults in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding area, and identify key components contributing to frailty.

Methods

Based on a cross-sectional study in ten cities across Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas, we collected data on PM2.5 and its components from the nearest air monitoring superstation. Personal and health-related information, including disease history, were collected through questionnaire survey and physical examinations. Frailty status was evaluated by a frailty index (FI) using the accumulation-of-deficits approach. Multiple linear regression models were applied to evaluate the impacts of exposure to PM2.5 and its components on FI.

Results

A total of 1 875 study participants were included, with a mean age of (64.95±13.42) years, in whom 927 were men (49.4%). During the study period, the 90-day moving average concentration (lag090 days) of PM2.5 was (53.92±10.51) μg/m3, and the mean FI was 0.15±0.09. Multiple linear regression model analysis indicated that PM2.5 exposure during the lag090-lag0180 days moving-average was associated with an increased FI risk in middle-aged and older adults, with the strongest effect observed at lag090 days. An IQR increase in PM2.5 at lag090 days was associated with a 1.30% increase in FI risk (95%CI: 0.29%-2.31%). Subgroup analyses showed no significant associations between PM2.5 exposure and FI across subgroups defined by gender, age, education, smoking, alcohol use, or physical activity. Elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), calcium (Ca), and copper (Cu) exposures were associated with increased FI. The IQR increase in EC, OC, Ca, and Cu exposures were associated with 0.83% (95%CI: 0.45%-1.21%), 3.63% (95%CI: 1.17%-6.09%), 1.35% (95%CI: 0.51%-2.20%), and 1.50% (95%CI: 0.76%-2.24%) increases in FI risk, respectively.

Conclusion

The exposures to PM2.5 and EC, OC, Ca and Cu components might increase the risk for frailty in middle-aged and older adults in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding area.