Exposure to dirty air linked to increased risk of common brain tumor: Study
The findings published in journal Neurology add to growing evidence that air pollution's harmful effects extend beyond respiratory and cardiovascular health, potentially affecting the brain as well.
Given the high pollution burden in Indian metropolitan areas such as in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, the study's implications are particularly relevant for Indian urban populations. Cities frequently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for PM2.5 and NO₂, with vehicular emissions, construction activities, and industrial sources contributing significantly to overall pollution levels.
The study, which followed nearly four million Danish adults over a period of 21 years, found that individuals with the highest exposure to UFPs and other pollutants—including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and elemental carbon—had a markedly higher risk of developing meningiomas compared to those with the lowest exposure levels.
'Various types of air pollution have been shown to have negative effects on health, and ultrafine particles are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and may directly affect brain tissue,' said Dr. Ulla Hvidtfeldt, lead author and researcher at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen.
The study utilised national registries and residential histories to estimate personal exposure to air pollution, and applied advanced modelling techniques to account for both local traffic emissions and broader environmental sources.
While no strong associations were identified between pollution and more aggressive brain tumours such as gliomas, the study's findings underscore the broader public health implications of chronic exposure to air pollution.
Notably, the study acknowledged certain limitations, including the inability to account for indoor air quality or occupational exposure, both of which could influence an individual's cumulative exposure to pollutants.
Experts argue that while more research is required to confirm causal links, these findings offer yet another compelling reason to implement stringent air quality controls.
'If cleaning up our air can help lower the risk of brain tumours, that could make a real difference for public health,' said Dr. Hvidtfeldt.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
After historic ISS mission, Shubhanshu Shukla gets red-carpet welcome in Delhi, to meet PM; LS will hold special discussion on him today
Astronaut Subhanshu Shukla, along with astronaut Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, receives grand welcome from Union space minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and and Isro chairman V Narayanan at the Delhi airport NEW DELHI: Following his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla received a red-carpet welcome at Delhi's IGI airport as he returned to the country from the US in the early hours of Sunday. Shukla, who piloted the spacecraft to the space station as part of the Axiom-4 mission, was welcomed by Union space minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta and Isro chairman V Narayanan, and a large crowd of space enthusiasts at the airport. Posting on X later, minister Jitendra Singh said, 'A moment of pride for India! A moment of glory for #ISRO! A moment of gratitude to the dispensation that facilitated this under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. India's Space glory touches the Indian soil… as the iconic son of Mother India, Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla lands at Delhi in the early hours of morning today. Accompanying him, another equally accomplished Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the astronauts selected for India's first Human mission Gaganyaan who was India's designated backup for the mission to the ISS. Privileged to receive both of them'. Shukla is expected to meet PM Modi and then travel to his hometown Lucknow. He is likely to return to the Capital on Aug 22–23 to participate in the National Space Day celebrations. The Lok Sabha will hold a special discussion on Monday on India's space journey and Shukla's historic mission aboard the ISS, according to a notice issued by the lower House. The House will discuss 'India's first astronaut aboard the ISS — critical role of space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047', which could possibly end the deadlock between the govt and opposition in Parliament over the electoral roll revision in Bihar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Mixed Pink Salt With This - Now She Can't Stop Losing Weight Break The Weight Learn More Undo Earlier on Saturday, Shukla had posted a smiling photograph of himself on a flight and said he was filled with emotions. 'As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family, and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is -- everything all at once," he said. In the 79th Independence Day speech at the Red Fort on Friday, PM Modi, while mentioning Group Captain Shukla's successful mission to ISS, had said that India is working towards becoming self-reliant in the space sector and preparing for the launch of Gaganyaan, its indigenous human space flight mission, and is also working on developing its own space station. In June, Shukla became the second Indian to go to space — after IAF wing commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984— as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. During the 18-day mission, Shukla, along with astronauts Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), conducted more than 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions aboard the ISS. He returned to the Earth on July 16.
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Are weightloss drugs for me? 5 things to consider
By now we all know how revolutionary GLP-1 drugs are, what they do and how they help is now not an unknown secret. BUT what's perhaps most important and where all the debate is on WHO it is for?Can it work for you? How will it impact your body cells? And critically. Are you really that fat, that you need weight-loss drugs?advertisementI have often asked myself these questions, so after speaking with some of India's finest doctors this is what I found you are welcome:ARE YOU CLINICALLY OBESE? AND HOW TO CALCULATE THAT?BMI cannot define if you are fat Do not jump in to calculate Body Mass Index, its definition is being challenged and questioned as the sole parameter of obesity. Someone (especially Indians) with high BMI may have a lot of bone and muscle mass. Someone with moderately high or even normal-range BMI may have body fat percentage. Meaning BMI does not conclusively define fatty body. So what does?Waisttohip ratio: A better measure for indiansOne good way to determine fatness, especially in the Indian context is: To calculate the waist-to-hip ratio, first measure the waist circumference, the position is right above the belly button, then measure hip circumference, done at the widest part around the hip. Now divide the waist with hip to get your waist-to-hip Asian Men >0.9South Asian Women >0.8Body fat percentage: The clinical standardThis is the most clinical way to determine fatness. The Endocrine Society Of India has suggested 25% for men and 30% for women, catch is it's difficult to ascertain without professional are several methods to calculate body fat percentage:DEXA Scan: Most accurate clinical low-level X-rays to differentiate bone, muscle, and done in medical or research Test: This involves pinching skin at various locations to measure fat thickness using requires Skinfold calipers and experience for consistency and 'skinny fat' phenomenonA person with a BMI of 26 may not appear overweight but could have body fat at high as 38%, concentrated around the belly. BMI works on the assumption that all fat is the same. Yet the fat around the arms and thighs is not as harmful. Many Indian tend to be 'skinny fat' having thin arms and legs but a big fat: The hidden riskRoughly speaking, 90% of the fat in a person is what can be seen outwardly. This fat is subcutaneous under the skin. The remaining 10% is inside the abdomen, called visceral fat, as it surrounds the internal(visceral) organs such as the liver and kidney. It's the fat you cannot pinch. It is the visceral fat that doctors need to target in the clinic. Visceral(central) fat produces toxins, the bad hormones that increase insulin resistance and suppress insulin You may not have a high BMI and not look overweight, but have high levels of fat around organs are extremely unfit and if such a person gets diabetes, could benefit greatly from GLP-1 if I can afford it, should I?RememberIndia just entered the big-league weight-loss drug market:Mounjaro launched in March (Rs 3,500–Rs 4,375 per vial)Wegovy followed in June as pre-filled pens, monthly Rs 17,345–Rs 26,015The demand is real—drug sales have surged, and generics are already on the horizonBUT GLP1 drugs are not cosmetic solutions; they are evidence-based medical tools designed to tackle chronic metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, particularly when diet and exercise by themselves fall are general guidelines, but before starting any GLP1 medication:Consult an endocrinologist or obesity specialistDetermine your type and amount of body fat, not just weight or BMIDiscuss your lifestyle, dietary habits, and metabolic history- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Worst breakfast foods for hormonal health: Health coach shares foods you should skip
That morning cup of chai paired with poha or buttered toast may feel comforting, but have you ever stopped to think about what it's really doing to your body? According to health coach Mankirat Kaur, most Indians don't pay enough attention to starting their day with the right kind of breakfast. Instead of giving your body a balanced mix of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, we often reach for the quick, familiar choices, white bread, packaged juices, or deep-fried snacks. They might fill you up for the moment, but in the long run, these options can wreak havoc on your hormonal health, leading to energy crashes, poor metabolism, and unnecessary weight gain. In a recent Instagram post, Mankirat Kaur broke down some of the worst breakfast foods that may be doing more harm than good. More importantly, she suggested simple, nutrient-rich swaps that can stabilise blood sugar and keep hormones in balance without giving up on taste. Breakfast foods to avoid for hormonal health White bread A classic in many Indian households, white bread is made from refined flour that lacks fibre and essential nutrients. It spikes blood sugar quickly, giving a burst of energy that crashes soon after. Instead, Mankirat suggests opting for whole-grain or multigrain bread to keep your energy steady. Sugary cereals Though they look colourful and convenient, most boxed cereals are loaded with refined sugar and artificial flavours. These not only disrupt hormones like insulin but also leave you craving more sugar throughout the day. A healthier swap is oats or homemade granola with nuts and seeds. Packaged fruit juices Marketed as healthy, these juices often contain hidden sugars and very little actual fruit fibre. They cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and can increase the risk of insulin resistance. Fresh fruits or smoothies with yoghurt are far better choices. Deep-fried breakfast items Parathas dripping in oil, puris, and pakoras might taste heavenly, but they overload the body with unhealthy fats and calories. Regular consumption can affect hormonal balance, digestion, and metabolism. The coach advises lighter options like upma, idli, or dosa made with minimal oil. Poha and butter toast Yes, even the humble poha and plain butter toast made it to the list. While they're popular, they lack sufficient protein and good fats, making them nutritionally poor choices. Pairing poha with sprouts, or replacing butter toast with avocado or nut butter toast, can turn them into healthier alternatives. Breakfast isn't just the first meal of the day, it's the meal that sets the rhythm for your hormonal health, energy, and mood. As the health coach highlighted in her Instagram post, sugary cereals, white bread, packaged juices, and deep-fried options can throw your hormones off balance right from the start. On the other hand, choosing nutrient-dense swaps like oats, whole grains, proteins, nuts, and fresh fruits can help stabilise blood sugar and support long-term hormonal balance. The key is simple: a mindful breakfast can be the most powerful step you take for better health every single day. Also read| 8 reasons seasonal foods are the healthiest choice for your body
