The findings underscore the urgent need to prioritise environmental health in public policy, especially in rapidly urbanising nations like China, where aging populations and industrial growth coexist
Prolonged exposure to air pollution significantly increases the risk of brain stroke in older adults, with elderly men facing the greatest vulnerability, according to a new study by Chinese researchers.
The study, led by experts from Shandong First Medical University, examined the burden of ischemic stroke linked to air pollution in China from 1990 to 2021. It focused on age- and gender-specific trends and projected future patterns through 2036. The findings were recently published in the peer-reviewed journal BMC Public Health.
Ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, occurs when blocked blood vessels restrict blood flow to specific areas of the brain. The study identifies fine particulate matter—PM2.5, a key component of air pollution—as the main contributor to this health burden.
While the research revealed a general decline in age-standardised mortality rates (ASMR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) due to ischemic stroke attributable to air pollution, the decrease was less pronounced among men compared to women. This trend was especially evident among elderly males, who experienced a persistently high burden of disease.
“This suggests the need for gender-specific interventions and policies that target male populations, particularly the elderly, to reduce their exposure to air pollution and its adverse health effects,” the researchers stated.
The researchers noted that earlier studies had already linked both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution with increased stroke risk. The underlying mechanism, they explained, may involve PM2.5-induced inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis—plaque buildup in the arteries—which can impair blood flow to the brain. Both small cerebral vessels and large arteries can be affected, thereby heightening the chances of ischemic stroke.
According to the study, elderly males may have increased susceptibility due to a combination of biological and behavioural factors. These include higher exposure to pollutants from occupational or outdoor activities, underlying chronic health conditions, and lifestyle habits such as smoking.
Looking ahead, the researchers projected that unless more robust environmental and health policies are adopted, the disease burden may persist or even increase in vulnerable populations over the next decade.
To mitigate the impact, the study recommends that governments and public health authorities adopt a multifaceted approach. This includes stricter regulations on industrial emissions, promotion of clean and renewable energy sources, and enhancement of urban green spaces to improve air quality.
Public awareness campaigns also play a critical role. “Increasing public education about the health risks of air pollution and encouraging protective behaviours—such as using masks, avoiding high-pollution areas, and regularly monitoring air quality—can help reduce exposure, particularly among the elderly,” the researchers added.
The findings underscore the urgent need to prioritise environmental health in public policy, especially in rapidly urbanising nations like China, where aging populations and industrial growth coexist. As the global health community continues to confront the dual challenges of climate change and non-communicable diseases, this study adds to growing evidence that air quality is not just an environmental issue—but a public health emergency, particularly for the aging population.
