Components of particulate matter air-pollution and brain tumors. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harbo Poulsen, Aslak; Arthur Hvidtfeldt, Ulla; Sørensen, Mette; Puett, Robin; Ketzel, Matthias; Brandt, Jørgen; Christensen, Jesper H.; Geels, Camilla; Raaschou-Nielsen, Ole
• Is Part Of: Environment international. Volume 144(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Air-pollution -- Particulate matter -- Brain tumors -- Epidemiology; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Protection -- Périodiques; Hygiène du milieu -- Périodiques; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Périodiques; Environmental health; Environmental monitoring; Environmental protection; Periodicals; 333.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-4120

Abstract

Highlights: A nationwide, register-based, case-control study with 12 928 brain tumor cases. State of the art air pollution modeling for all addresses 10 years before diagnosis. Primary emitted carbonaceous particles was associated with malignant brain tumors. Results need replication. Abstract: Background: Air pollution is an established carcinogen. Evidence for an association with brain tumors is, however, inconclusive. We investigated if individual particulate matter constituents were associated with brain tumor risk. Methods: From comprehensive national registers, we identified all (n = 12 928) brain tumor cases, diagnosed in Denmark in the period 1989–2014, and selected 22 961 controls, matched on age, sex and year of birth. We established address histories and estimated 10-year mean residential outdoor concentrations of particulate matter < 2.5 µm, primarily emitted black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC), and combined carbon (OC/BC), as well as secondary inorganic and organic PM air pollutants from a detailed dispersion model. We used conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) per inter quartile range (IQR) exposure. We adjusted for income, marital and employment status as well as area-level socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Total tumors of the brain were associated with OC/BC (OR: 1.053, 95%CI: 1.005–1.103, per IQR). The data suggested strongest associations for malignant tumors with ORs per IQR for OC/BC, BC and OC of 1.063 (95% CI: 1.007–1.123), 1.036 (95% CI: 1.006–1.067) and 1.030 (95%CI: 0.979–1.085), respectively. The results did not indicate adverse effects of other PM components. Conclusions: This large, population based study showed associations between primary emitted carbonaceous particles and risk for malignant brain tumors. As the first of its kind, this study needs replication.