Concomitant exposure to air pollution, green space and noise, and risk of myocardial infarction: a cohort study from Denmark

Aims The three correlated environmental exposures (air pollution, road traffic noise, and green space) have all been associated with the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). The present study aimed to analyse their independent and cumulative association with MI.Methods and results In a cohort of all Danes aged 50 or older in the period 2005-17, 5-year time-weighted average exposure to fine particles (PM2.5), ultrafine particles, elemental carbon, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and road traffic noise at the most and least exposed facades of residence was estimated. Green space around residences was estimated from land use maps. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and cumulative risk indices (CRIs) were calculated. All expressed per interquartile range. Models were adjusted for both individual and neighbourhood-level socio-demographic covariates. The cohort included 1 964 702 persons. During follow-up, 71 285 developed MI. In single-exposure models, all exposures were associated with an increased risk of MI. In multi-pollutant analyses, an independent association with risk of MI was observed for PM2.5 (HR: 1.026; 95% CI: 1.002-1.050), noise at most exposed facade (HR: 1.024; 95% CI: 1.012-1.035), and lack of green space within 150 m of residence (HR: 1.018; 95% CI: 1.010-1.027). All three factors contributed significantly to the CRI (1.089; 95% CI: 1.076-1.101).Conclusion In a nationwide cohort study, air pollution, noise, and lack of green space were all independently associated with an increased risk of MI. The air pollutant PM2.5 was closest associated with MI risk. The present study aimed to analyse their independent and cumulative association of the three correlated environmental exposures: air pollution, road traffic noise, and green space with MI.Air pollution, noise, and lack of green space were all independently associated with MI.Risk estimates for air pollution, noise, and lack of green space were similar, indicating that all may be equally relevant targets for regulatory measures. Graphical Abstract

Automated summary

This study analyzed the independent and cumulative association of air pollution, noise, and lack of green space with myocardial infarction (MI). The findings showed that all three factors were independently associated with an increased risk of MI.