Association of long-term exposure to air pollutants with sensory impairment in middle-aged and elderly adults: a nationwide study in China

Few studies have examined the impact of ambient air pollutants on sensory impairments (SI_S) in adults. Using a nationally representative study of 13,505 participants from 125 Chinese cities, we investigated the association of air pollutants with SI_S among middle-aged and elderly adults. The SI_S were evaluated by self-reported visual impairment (VI) and/or hearing impairment. Residential exposure to particulate matter (PM) ≤ 2.5 μm (PM_2.5), ≤ 10 μm (PM₁₀), and ≤ 1 μm (PM₁), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide were estimated using a satellite model. Each 10 μg/m³ increase in PM_2.5 (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.015, 95% CI:1.00-1.032) and PM₁ (1.035, 1.007-1.064) was associated with SI. Moreover, a significant association with VI was found for annual PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁. The association was stronger in individuals who had chronic diseases. Long-term exposure to PM_2.5 and PM₁, was associated with SI_S among adults, underscoring the importance of improving air quality to prevent SI_S.