As the world population continues to grow, the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere keeps increasing.

The air we breathe today is not as pure as it was a few decades ago, this is as a result of industrialization, urbanization, and other human activities. These pollutants have been associated with several health issues such as respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancer. However, recent studies have shown that atmospheric pollution can also affect bone health, especially in elderly individuals.

This article will discuss the impact of atmospheric pollution on elderly bone health.

Background

The bone is a dynamic tissue that continually undergoes remodeling. It comprises cells, matrix, and nutrients that work together to maintain its strength and structure. Bone remodeling involves two main processes; bone formation and bone resorption.

Bone formation is the process by which bone cells or osteoblasts produce new bone tissue while bone resorption is the process by which old bone tissue is broken down and removed by osteoclasts. These two processes should be balanced to maintain healthy bone. Any factor that affects the balance puts the bone at risk of damage or disease.

Atmospheric Pollution and Elderly Bone Health

The bone is responsible for several metabolic functions such as calcium storage, hematopoiesis, and mineral regulation. The bone microenvironment must be controlled for these metabolic functions to occur effectively.

However, atmospheric pollutants can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, which disturbs the bone microenvironment balance. Some of the common atmospheric pollutants include particulate matters, heavy metals, oxides of nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide.

Particulate Matters and Elderly Bone Health

Particulate matters (PM) have been identified as the most dangerous atmospheric pollutant. PM is a complex mixture of high tenacity and variability which includes a diverse range of chemical constituents, particle sizes, and shapes.

PM enters the body through inhalation and has been shown to affect bone health through various mechanisms. These include oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy. Studies have shown that exposure to PM can lead to a decrease in bone mineral density, bone volume, and trabecular number.

This decrease in bone mass can lead to a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis in the elderly.

Heavy Metals and Elderly Bone Health

Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury are other atmospheric pollutants that have been known to affect bone health. These pollutants enter the body through food, water, and air.

Heavy metal toxicity has been shown to cause oxidative stress and inflammation, disrupt the endocrine system, and inhibit bone remodeling. In the elderly, such exposure can worsen bone health and exacerbate osteoporosis risk.

Oxides of Nitrogen and Sulfur Dioxide and Elderly Bone Health

Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are other pollutants that can affect bone health. These pollutants are mainly produced from combustion engines, power plants, and industrial processes.

Exposure to NOx and SO2 can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to decreased bone mass and increased risk of fractures. Studies have shown that elderly individuals living in areas with high NOx and SO2 concentrations have a higher risk of hip fractures and bone loss compared to those in less polluted areas.

Conclusion

Atmospheric pollution is a global challenge that has been associated with several health issues. Recent studies have shown that it can also affect bone health, especially in elderly individuals.

Atmospheric pollutants can disrupt the bone microenvironment balance through oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, leading to a decrease in bone mass and increased risk of fractures. It is essential to take measures to reduce atmospheric pollution to improve bone health and prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis in the elderly.