Article published 8 May 2025
Do social and economic factors affect how air pollution impacts our health?
Air pollution — especially fine particles known as PM2.5 — is a well-known threat to human health. But are some people more affected than others? A new study led by researchers at Umeå University in the VALESOR project examines whether a person’s income or education level affects the severity of long-term exposure to PM2.5.
The researchers conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis, finally combining data from 17 international studies. They aimed to understand whether people with lower socioeconomic status are more susceptible to dying from prolonged fine particulate air pollution exposure.
The study did not show that the risk of dying from PM2.5 exposure differed based on a person’s education or income level. This means that it did not show that lower-income groups, who are often more exposed to pollution, are also more biologically vulnerable to its health effects.
– Although it differs by country and region, disadvantaged groups tend on average to live in more polluted areas, says Professor Hans Orru.
– We found that, when it comes to long-term mortality, the risk associated with PM2.5 exposure, there was no evidence that it differed across income and education levels, says Johan Sommar, Associate Professor, Umeå University.
Research gaps and future needs
However, the researchers stress that this doesn’t mean everyone is equally exposed. People with lower socioeconomic status often live closer to roads and industrial areas, and spend more time in substandard indoor environments, increasing their total pollution exposure. The health risk from PM2.5 remains very real, especially in places with high pollution levels.
While this review didn’t find support for differences in biological susceptibility based on socioeconomic status, the authors highlight the need for more research, especially from underrepresented regions and populations. They also call for more holistic approaches that consider total pollution exposure and access to healthcare and other resources.
