Exposure to Airborne Particulate Matter: An Additional Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome in Saudi Arabia

Metabolic syndrome is a serious problem in Saudi Arabia. It has been attributed mainly to life style. Exposure to airborne particulate matter is a subject of concern in Jeddah. The present study aimed to find a possible association of metabolic syndrome prevalence with levels of particulate matter and their elemental constituents. The study was conducted in two districts of Jeddah, Al Nuzlah and Al Rehab. PM10 and PM2.5 were measured in each district as well as their elemental composition. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the presence of three components: hyperglycemia, hypertension and obesity. Al Nuzlah district showed higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, together with higher levels of PM2.5, nickel and cadmium. It can be concluded that exposure to particulate matter may be considered as an additional risk factor for metabolic syndrome.