International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health最新文献

{"title":"Cumulative asbestos exposure as a key predictor of long-term pleuropulmonary outcomes: insights from decades of follow-up.","authors":"Ladislav Štěpánek, Marie Nakládalová, Magdaléna Janošíková, Lubomír Štěpánek, Alena Boriková","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02143-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-025-02143-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Occupational asbestos exposure was widespread before regulatory bans, and it remains a risk during renovations or demolitions of older buildings. While asbestos-related diseases are well-documented, less is known about minor radiological changes in exposed individuals. This longitudinal study aimed to identify predictors of pleural and parenchymal lung disorders in individuals with previous occupational asbestos exposure, focusing on both established asbestos-related diseases and minor radiological abnormalities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study tracked 445 former employees (334 men, 111 women) of two Czech asbestos-processing plants, who underwent regular examinations from the 1980s to December 2022. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to analyse predictors of asbestos-related diseases, as well as minor radiological findings alone.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over a median latency of 37 years, 127 participants (28.5%) developed asbestos-related diseases, mainly pleural mesothelioma (59 cases). An additional 168 participants (37.8%) exhibited minor radiological findings, predominantly pleural plaques (129 cases), while 150 (33.7%) had no abnormalities. Substantial cumulative exposure was a strong predictor for minor radiological findings (odds ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-3.35, p = 0.010) and any endpoint, including diseases (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.18-3.02, p = 0.008). Respiratory symptoms and impaired spirometry results significantly increased the likelihood of endpoint occurrence. No significant differences emerged between settings with predominantly chrysotile exposure and those with a chrysotile-crocidolite mixture.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the predictive value of cumulative exposure and the need for ongoing surveillance of occupationally exposed individuals to better understand radiological changes, their significance, and to refine risk assessment models.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144126280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations of ambient air pollution exposure to fine particulate matter and its chemical constituents before and during pregnancy with the risk of full-term small for gestational age: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Tingrong Wang, Hanping Ma, Rui Li, Donghua Li, Tianshan Shi, Zhenjuan Li, Zixuan Zou, Xiaowei Ren","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02141-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-025-02141-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>In the current study, we explored the associations between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) constituents and full-term small for gestational age (SGA) in different periods.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We included 155,897 participants, and matched the exposure concentrations of PM_2.5 and its constituents [sulfate (SO₄^2-), nitrate (NO₃^-), ammonium (NH₄⁺), organic matter (OM), and black carbon (BC)] according to participants' geographical location. To explore the associations of prenatal exposure to PM_2.5 and its constituents with the risk of full-term SGA, we used logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) and quartile g-computation (QGCOMP).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We found that individual exposure to PM_2.5 and its constituents was positively associated with the risk of full-term SGA (P < 0.05), whether in the year before pregnancy or the entire pregnancy. These associations were more pronounced in the second trimester. We found that the risk of full-term SGA was positively and linearly related to the concentrations of PM_2.5 and its constituents (P_overall < 0.05, P_nonlinear > 0.05). The associations of PM_2.5 and its constituents with full-term SGA were stronger in multiparous mothers. Moreover, full-term SGA was associated with exposure to mixtures of SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, NH₄⁺, OM, and BC before pregnancy and in the second and third trimester. Among these, BC was positively associated with full-term SGA at each of the aforementioned stages.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The risk of full-term SGA was positively and linearly related to concentrations of PM_2.5 and its constituents, and these associations were more pronounced in the second trimester. BC was the most hazardous constituent of PM_2.5 that was associated with full-term SGA.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144110376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exposure to seasonal PM_2.5 derived from biomass burning increased the risk of vitamin D deficiency in healthy perimenopausal women.","authors":"Mattabhorn Phimphilai, Sridanai Watthanawongkeeree, Worapaka Manosroi","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02149-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-025-02149-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Southeast Asia faces problems with seasonal air pollution from biomass burning. Data regarding vitamin D deficiency and seasonal air pollution is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of seasonal air pollutants on vitamin D deficiency and the predictors of vitamin D deficiency during haze periods.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective cohort study included 77 peri-menopausal women. All participants were enrolled and followed at the peak and low pollutant periods, respectively. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured at both points. Data regarding 24 h particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM_2.5) was obtained from the database of the Pollution Control Department of Thailand.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The ambient 24 h PM_2.5 was higher (46.9 ± 4.7 µg/m³ vs. 11.2 ± 5.1 µg/m³, P < 0.001) at the peak pollutant period. In contrast, serum 25(OH)D level was 18.8% lower, and the incidence of vitamin D deficiency was 45.4% higher at the peak pollutant period compared to those at the low pollutant period. Seasonal air pollutants were associated with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency by 3.5 folds [OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.1-14.6)]. The ambient 24 h PM_2.5 during the peak pollutant periods was an independent predictor of vitamin D deficiency. Its threshold of 20 µg/m³ demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 75.0%, 85.7%, and 78.0%, respectively, to predict the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Seasonal air pollutants increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. The ambient 24 h PM_2.5 at 20 µg/m³ demonstrated high diagnostic performance for vitamin D deficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144110390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Work and work exposures in sugarcane farming in Eswatini, Southern Africa.","authors":"S C Msibi, S Naidoo, K Jakobsson, J Glaser, B Skinner, R N Naidoo","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02140-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-025-02140-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe work practices and exposures among sugarcane farm workers on smallholder cooperatives in eSwatini, being subcontracted (cane cutters) or directly employed (pesticide applicators).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were collected at mid-harvest using repeated field observations and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) measurements. Questionnaires were administered to 267 sugarcane cutters and 125 pesticide applicators. Individual work output was defined as the length of the row of sugarcane cut over the workday, which also determined the monthly remuneration. The Quick Exposure Check was used to assess exposure to musculoskeletal risks. Pesticide handling practices were described with a focus on personal protection safety practices. Additionally, heart rate was measured in 20 pesticide workers for estimation of workload and core temperature.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sugarcane sites generally had no provision for rest in shade. Few workers were provided with drinking water and thus used personal containers or took water from the irrigation system. The mean water intake over the workday was as low as 1.4 L. Most workers (87%) described their work as physically demanding. For workers with a high workload (cane cutters), the observed daily average maximum WBGT of 28.6 °C was above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) of 26 °C. Pesticide applicators had a moderate workload. A minority of the applicators had access to proper personal protective equipment such as air respirators (4%), chemical gloves (17%), and chemical overalls (21%); still, their protective clothing hindered heat dissipation and thus increased heat stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Workplace interventions are needed to protect workers' health and safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144078078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-respiratory health risks and mortality associated with fighting bushfires (wildfires): a systematic review.","authors":"Asmare Gelaw, Win Wah, Deborah C Glass, Malcolm R Sim, Ryan Hoy, Janneke Berecki-Gisolf, Karen Walker-Bone","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02138-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-025-02138-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bushfires (also known as wildland or forest fires) expose emergency responders to occupational hazards under exceptional circumstances. Whilst the health impacts of structural firefighting have been studied, less is known about the non-respiratory health impacts or risk of mortality amongst bush firefighters, who can be volunteers. More information about health risks is needed to generate effective prevention strategies.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To critically evaluate and synthesise the published evidence about the non-respiratory health risks and risk of mortality associated with bushfire fighting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, and Embase to identify studies evaluating morbidity or mortality or associated risk factors among bushfire fighters. The quality of included studies was evaluated twice independently using a specific quality assessment tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-seven studies were included. 11(41%) were assessed as moderate quality and 16(59%) as low quality. There is a growing body of evidence for adverse short-term impacts of bushfire fighting on mental health and injuries. Linkage studies showed that volunteer firefighters had lower mortality and cancer risk in their late forties compared to the general population.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Most studies relied on cross-sectional and retrospective designs without comparison groups, limiting the ability to draw robust conclusions. It is essential to conduct higher-quality research using prospective designs and longer-term follow-up to better understand the health outcomes of bushfire fighting, particularly given the anticipated increase in the frequency and severity of bushfires.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143986350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predicting prolonged work absence due to musculoskeletal disorders: development, validation, and clinical usefulness of prognostic prediction models.","authors":"Tarjei Rysstad, Margreth Grotle, Adrian C Traeger, Lene Aasdahl, Ørjan Nesse Vigdal, Fiona Aanesen, Britt Elin Øiestad, Are Hugo Pripp, Gwenllian Wynne-Jones, Kate M Dunn, Egil A Fors, Steven J Linton, Anne Therese Tveter","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02129-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-025-02129-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Given the lack of robust prognostic models for early identification of individuals at risk of work disability, this study aimed to develop and externally validate three models for prolonged work absence among individuals on sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We developed three multivariable logistic regression models using data from 934 individuals on sick leave for 4-12 weeks due to musculoskeletal disorders, recruited through the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. The models predicted three outcomes: (1) > 90 consecutive sick days, (2) > 180 consecutive sick days, and (3) any new or increased work assessment allowance or disability pension within 12 months. Each model was externally validated in a separate cohort of participants (8-12 weeks of sick leave) from a different geographical region in Norway. We evaluated model performance using discrimination (c-statistic), calibration, and assessed clinical usefulness using decision curve analysis (net benefit). Bootstrapping was used to adjust for overoptimism.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All three models showed good predictive performance in the external validation sample, with c-statistics exceeding 0.76. The model predicting > 180 days performed best, demonstrating good calibration and discrimination (c-statistic 0.79 (95% CI 0.73-0.85), and providing net benefit across a range of decision thresholds from 0.10 to 0.80.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These models, particularly the one predicting > 180 days, may facilitate secondary prevention strategies and guide future clinical trials. Further validation and refinement are necessary to optimise the models and to test their performance in larger samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143811270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unfitness for a job among construction workers.","authors":"Elodie Bossi, Sylvie Cassadou, Adeline Beaumont, François-Xavier Lesage","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02139-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-025-02139-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of job loss related to health issues (fitness for work) over one year within the population of construction trades, to analyze the medical diagnoses associated with these unfitness for work situations, and to define the demographic and professional characteristics associated with them at the regional level in France (Occitania).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective multicenter study was conducted between September 2019 and September 2020 and included employees monitored by 23 inter-company occupational health services in Occitania, France.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 71,772 employees from the construction sector were followed. The incidence of work unfitness during this period was estimated at 6.69 per thousand (95% CI [6.11; 7.32]). The two main causes of work unfitness were related to mental pathologies or musculoskeletal disorders. The identified risk factors, considering all causes, notably included age, particularly within the age intervals of 56-60 years (adjusted OR = 3.78, 95% CI [2.94-4.85]) and 61-62 years (adjusted OR = 6.17, 95% CI [4.17-8.91]) (reference 14-40 years), as well as the nature of the occupation, especially if it involved higher physical demands.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the personal and professional determinants associated with job loss for medical reasons among workers in the construction sector. These findings provide further insights into the risk factors leading to work unfitness and thus enable the development of targeted preventive actions aimed at promoting workers' health and retention in employment.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143772273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychosocial work exposures as risk factors for skin problems in a general working population: cross-sectional and prospective associations.","authors":"Randi Hovden Borge, Håkon A Johannessen, Jose Hernán Alfonso","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02135-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02135-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The potential contribution of psychosocial work exposures to skin problems is largely overlooked in the occupational health literature. To address this knowledge gap, we examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between six psychosocial work exposures (i.e., quantitative demands, job control, social support, emotional demands, role conflict, and interpersonal conflict) and self-reported skin problems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data came from a probability sample of the general working population in Norway surveyed in 2016 (N = 7833) and 2019 (N = 8038). The prospective sample comprised 3430 participants. Data were analysed with ordered logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, occupation, and exposure to cleaning products, water, and dry indoor air.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cross-sectional analyses indicated statistically significant associations with skin problems for emotional demands, role conflict, and interpersonal conflict in 2016 and 2019, and for social support in 2019. In prospective analyses, emotional demands (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.23), role conflict (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.29), and interpersonal conflict (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.52) significantly predicted subsequent skin problems. Interpersonal conflict (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.57) was a significant predictor above and beyond baseline levels of skin problems. Quantitative demands and job control was generally non-significant, except for a significant interaction in the 2019 sample.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Exposure to certain psychosocial work stressors may be a risk factor for experiencing skin problems, particularly if you are exposed to interpersonal conflict. Preventive efforts to reduce the occurrence of skin problems in work settings should also target psychosocial stressors.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"309-319"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972187/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143604791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of risk mitigation strategies on non-fatal injuries in the construction sector in qatar: a retrospective analysis.","authors":"Lama Soubra, Alreem Al-Mohannadi, Yasser Berzan, Rafael Consunji, Ayman El-Menyar, Hassan Al-Thani, Mohammed Ali Al-Marri, Hamad Saed Al-Hajri","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02126-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02126-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The construction sector has the highest risk of fatal and non-fatal injuries worldwide. This study examined the impact of risk mitigation strategies implemented in Qatar's construction sector between 2013 and 2021 on non-fatal injuries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed quantitative and qualitative methods. Data on implemented strategies were gathered through a systematic website search and structured interviews with Safety and Occupational Health officers. Retrospective injury data were obtained from Hamad Trauma Center medical records. Systematic website search identified key legislation and guidelines. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Injury data were categorized into pre- and post-implementation data. Differences were assessed using means, standard deviations, percentages, effect sizes, and confidence intervals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eight safety legislation/policies and guidelines were issued. Interview analysis identified technical, behavioral, and organizational measures as key themes in risk mitigation strategies. Comparing pre- and post-implementation data, non-fatal injury incidence (effect size (ES): 0.21, 95% CI 0.19-0.28) and severity (ES: 0.32, 95% CI 0.25-0.40) were reduced. Hospital and ICU stays were shorter post-implementation (ES: 0.2, 95% CI 0.12-0.27 and 0.014, 95% CI 0.010-0.021). Injury reductions were observed across major affected areas, except for the chest and skin. Non-fatal injuries remained more common among general laborers (ES: - 0.26, 95% CI - 0.34, 0.18) and those wearing protective devices (ES; - 0.1, CI - 0.12, - 0.07).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Implemented risk mitigation strategies collectively reduced non-fatal injury incidence and severity and improved outcomes in the construction sector. Future research should explore observed trends through prospective studies and job hazard analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"283-296"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972227/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143523451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of long-term exposure to air pollutants with benign prostatic hyperplasia among middle-aged and older men in China.","authors":"Wenming Shi, Jie V Zhao","doi":"10.1007/s00420-025-02127-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00420-025-02127-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Air pollution has been an important risk factor for human health. However, little is known about the impacts of air pollutants on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. We aimed to explore the association of long-term exposure to air pollutants with BPH among men.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We leveraged the nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a total of 8,826 participants aged 45 years and above from 125 Chinese cities were enrolled in 2015. Annual fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), coarse particles (PM_2.5-10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone were estimated using satellite-based models. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of BPH associated with air pollutants. The restricted cubic spline model was performed to explore the exposure-response relationships with BPH.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 8,826 participants (mean age: 60.3 years), the prevalence of BPH was 14.5%. Each 10 µg/m³ rise in PM_2.5 (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence intervals: 1.01-1.07) and PM_2.5-10 (1.06, 1.02-1.10) were associated with prevalent BPH. Compared with the lowest quartile levels, higher PM_2.5 and PM_2.5-10 exposure were related to an increased risk of BPH. There were non-linear relationship between PM_2.5-10 and NO₂ exposure with prevalent BPH. The association with BPH was more pronounced in participants who were overweight/obesity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that long-term air pollutants exposure, especially for PM_2.5 and PM_2.5-10, is associated with BPH among middle-aged and older men. Our findings provide epidemiological evidence for policymakers and researchers to improve prostate health by reducing air pollution.</p>","PeriodicalId":13761,"journal":{"name":"International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health","volume":" ","pages":"321-329"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972197/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143630372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}