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 (SIS) in adults. Using a nationally representative study of 13,505 participants from 125 Chinese cities, we investigated the association of air pollutants with SIS among middle-aged and elderly adults. The SIS were evaluated by self-reported visual impairment (VI) and/or hearing impairment. Residential exposure to particulate matter (PM) <= 2.5 mu m (PM2.5), <= 10 mu m (PM10), and <= 1 mu m (PM1), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide were estimated using a satellite model. Each 10 mu g/m(3) increase in PM2.5 (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, PM2.5, and PM1. The association was stronger in individuals who had chronic diseases. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM1, was associated with SIS among adults, underscoring the importance of improving air quality to prevent SIS.