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Time of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Air pollution exposure may raise risk of meningioma brain tumour, new research finds
Breathing polluted air daily may do more harm than we thought—especially to your brain. A new Danish study published in Neurology has found a potential link between long-term air pollution exposure and a higher risk of developing meningioma, a typically non-cancerous but serious type of brain tumour. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The research followed nearly four million adults over 21 years and revealed that exposure to ultrafine particles—like those from traffic and diesel fumes—was associated with increased tumour risk. These findings add to growing evidence that air pollution doesn't just affect your lungs and heart—it may impact brain health too. Meningioma brain tumour development linked to air pollution in large-scale study A new large-scale has found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution over long periods may face an increased risk of developing meningioma—a type of brain tumour that is typically non-cancerous but can still cause serious health problems. Published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the study followed nearly four million Danish adults over a span of 21 years. Researchers tracked the development of tumours of the central nervous system and found that approximately 16,600 participants were diagnosed during that period—of which 4,600 cases were meningioma. What is meningioma brain tumour and why is it a concern? Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour. While usually benign (non-cancerous), they can grow large enough to press on nearby brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels, potentially leading to neurological symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, or seizures. Because they grow slowly, they can go unnoticed for years. Ultrafine particles in air pollution linked to higher brain tumour risk To estimate long-term pollution exposure, researchers assessed air quality in participants' neighborhoods—particularly traffic-related emissions, diesel exhaust, and ultrafine particles such as those found in smoke and vehicle fumes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The analysis revealed a clear link between higher air pollution levels and increased risk of meningioma, especially in those exposed to ultrafine particles. However, no strong connection was observed between air pollution and more aggressive or cancerous tumours, such as gliomas. According to lead study author , a senior scientist at the Danish Cancer Institute, these findings add to the growing understanding that air pollution doesn't just harm the lungs and heart—but may also affect the brain. 'While research on the health effects of ultrafine particles is still in its early stages, these findings point to a possible link between traffic-related ultrafine particle exposure and the development of meningioma,' said Hvidtfeldt in a statement. How can air pollution affect brain health? Although the study does not establish direct causation, it strengthens the growing body of evidence suggesting that airborne pollutants can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially triggering inflammation or damage to brain tissue. Previous research has found that ultrafine particles, due to their small size, may penetrate deeply into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and reach the brain, where they may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases or cognitive decline. Other known risk factors for meningiomas brain tumour While the exact cause of meningioma is still unclear, other recognised risk factors include: Radiation exposure, especially during childhood Hormonal factors (more common in women) Genetic conditions such as Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) This study sheds new light on the possible role of environmental triggers like air quality in meningioma development. While the findings are significant, researchers noted several limitations. Pollution exposure was estimated based on outdoor air quality in residential areas and did not account for time spent indoors or at work, where pollution levels can differ. The authors emphasised that more detailed studies are needed to confirm these results and explore whether reducing air pollution could help lower the risk of developing brain tumours.
United News of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Exposure to dirty air linked to increased risk of common brain tumor: Study
New Delhi, July 10 (UNI) A recent large-scale Danish study has revealed that ultrafine particles in air pollution can cross the blood-brain barrier and may increase the risk of developing tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), particularly meningiomas --the most common type of primary brain tumor. 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.
