Ambient air pollution is increasingly implicated in metabolic and inflammatory dysregulation, yet the evidence base specific to metabolic syndrome and white blood cell count remains fragmented, prompting a need to clarify whether exposure to major pollutants and particulate matter components materially contributes to these outcomes in adults. In this rapid review, conducted according to PRISMA-RR guidance, we synthesized twenty-six observational and clinical studies that examined associations between exposure to PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, SO2 and five PM2.5 components including sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, black carbon and organic matter, and found that most investigations reported positive relationships with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and elevated white blood cell count, with the most consistent signals observed for particulate matter across diverse geographic settings. Several studies suggested that exposure to particulate matter may activate systemic inflammatory processes, reflected in higher white blood cell count, which is biologically consistent with inflammation-related pathways linking pollution exposure to metabolic dysfunction. However, the strength and clarity of this pathway were limited by differences in exposure modelling, variation in metabolic syndrome criteria, and inconsistent adjustment for behavioral, clinical, and socioeconomic factors. Substantial evidence gaps persisted. Taken together, these findings point to a need for longitudinal, mechanistic and methodologically rigorous studies that apply refined exposure assessment, adopt standardized metabolic syndrome definitions, evaluate mediation and susceptibility profiles, and integrate atmospheric metrics with metabolic and inflammatory phenotyping in order to generate policy relevant evidence that generate policy-relevant evidence that supports multi-pollutant air quality management and the integration of environmental risk into clinical screening and prevention strategies for metabolic health in adults.
Air pollution is a major public health concern, particularly for children who are more susceptible to its harmful respiratory effects. Makkah experiences elevated levels of air pollution due to the influx of religious visitors, vehicular emissions, and traffic during the annual Hajj. The resulting increase in air pollutants raises concerns about respiratory health risks among children, yet local research has focused little on this vulnerable group. This study investigated the association between air pollutants (PM10 and NO2) and pediatric admissions from acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) among children aged 5-14 years in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from January 2021 to December 2022. The study period overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic, which was considered when interpreting the findings. Daily time-series log-linear Poisson regression models were used, adjusting for temporal trends using natural cubic splines, meteorological variables, and sociodemographic factors. Relative risks were estimated per interquartile range increase in pollutant concentrations across lag days 0-2. Hajj-specific associations were assessed using interaction terms for the Hajj and non-Hajj periods. Exposure to NO2 was significantly associated with an increased risk of same-day ALRI admissions in children during the Hajj events (RR = 1.033; 95% CI: 1.003-1.063 per IQR rise) but not outside the Hajj events. In contrast, PM10 effects were non-significant. The findings suggest that NO2, but not PM10, was associated with ALRI admissions during Hajj, highlighting the need for Hajj-focused traffic-emission control and child health protection strategies in Makkah.Implications: Increased NO2 levels during Hajj are associated with higher pediatric ALRI admissions, highlighting the need for targeted air quality management during mass gatherings. Strengthening emission controls, traffic regulation, and monitoring can reduce exposure and protect vulnerable children.
Air pollution is a significant global issue that affects human well-being. This study investigated the knowledge and perception of air pollution among the population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A survey was conducted in Makkah between December 2023 and April 2024 to investigate public knowledge and perception about air pollution and its impact on adverse health effects. The study population consisted of patients admitted to hospitals in Makkah. A total of 1022 respondents, aged between 15 and 66 years, completed an online standardized questionnaire. Questions related to demographic characteristics, including age and gender, were also included in the questionnaire. The findings demonstrated increased concern over air pollution as the majority of respondents, 77% (787), considered air pollution a significant environmental health issue in Makkah. Natural dust was identified as the main source of air pollution in Makkah among 51% (211) men and 45% (268) women, followed by transportation, as reported by 36% (215) women and 34% (143) men. Fifty-one percent (296) of respondents aged above 36 years believed that air pollution could impact their health compared to 49% (216) of the study subjects aged between 15 and 35 years. The most common health effect reported by the respondents associated with exposure to air pollution was bronchitis 41% (419), followed by asthma 38% (388), and heart disease 26% (266). The study outcomes show that most of the study respondents have considerable knowledge about air pollution and perceive air quality as a significant health concern. Implementing sustainable strategies and comprehensive awareness campaigns to mitigate health impacts associated with air pollution in Makkah is recommended.Implications: As the first study of its kind in Makkah, this research provides crucial baseline data on public perception of air pollution and its health impacts. The findings highlight gaps in awareness and emphasise the need for targeted health education and policy interventions to improve environmental health literacy and reduce exposure risks.
Air pollution is a global issue affecting health and the environment. This study investigated associations between PM10, NO2, and admissions from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Makkah (2019–2022), comparing Hajj cultural events and the COVID-19 lockdown with non-event periods, using time-series Poisson regression models adjusted for time and seasonality. Event interactions, particularly the impact of the Hajj and COVID-19 periods, were examined to assess potential effects on morbidity. The study findings showed that PM10 was significantly associated with increased respiratory admissions during the Hajj period (lag 0: RR = 1.066; 95% CI: 1.030–1.104), and with decreased risk during the non-Hajj period (lag 0: RR = 0.966; 95% CI: 0.942–0.991) and non-COVID periods (lag 0: RR = 0.946; 95% CI: 0.920–0.973). NO2 demonstrated a strong positive association with respiratory admissions during the Hajj period across all lags, peaking at lag 0 with a 16.2% increased risk (RR = 1.162; 95% CI: 1.118–1.207). Exposure to PM10 during Hajj was associated with a 3.1% increased risk of cardiovascular admissions (lag 0: RR = 1.031; 95% CI: 1.012–1.050) and decreased risk during non-Hajj (lag 0: RR = 0.981; 95% CI: 0.963–0.999) and non-COVID periods (lag 0: RR = 0.962; 95% CI: 0.942–0.983). NO2 exposure was positively associated with cardiovascular admissions during Hajj (lag 0: RR = 1.039; 95% CI: 1.019–1.056) and non-COVID periods (lag 0: RR = 1.037; 95% CI: 1.007–1.068). These findings provide event-specific evidence to guide targeted air quality management during mass gatherings, helping policymakers protect the health of Makkah’s residents and visitors.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the primary causes of morbidity worldwide, while ambient air pollution (AAP) is a major contributor to CVD. This study is the first study that aimed to compare the differences in AAP concentrations and acute effects on the risk of admissions from CVD, ischaemic heart diseases (IHD), and stroke before and after introducing the new type of coal briquette in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. We collected daily hospital admission records, air quality and meteorology data between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2022. The relative risks (RRs) of cause-specific hospitalisations associated with daily concentrations of AAP were estimated by a time-stratified case-crossover analysis with conditional Poisson distributed lag models. Overall, acute exposure to the pollutants, except for O-3, was positively associated with an increased risk of all admissions. For each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and CO, the risk of CVD admissions increased by 0.5% (RR = 1.005; 95% CI: 0.998, 1.012) at lag0, 2.9% (RR = 1.029; 95% CI: 1.014, 1.044), 2.5% (RR = 1.025; 95% CI: 1.010, 1.040), 4.1% (RR = 1.041; 95% CI: 1.016, 1.068) and 0.3% (RR = 1.003; 95% CI: 0.995, 1.012) at lag01, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed greater risks of CVD admissions for women and people aged <65 years, in the cold season, and after the raw coal ban period. During the cold winter season, Ulaanbaatar's AAP levels remained higher than the World Health Organization's guidelines, regardless of consuming the new coal briquettes. Adopting alternative efficient methods to improve air quality and associated health outcomes is necessary.
Background Lithium is a crucial commodity; however, the mining and processing of lithium is associated with exposure to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) from the uranium-238 and thorium-232 decay chains. The sources and pathways of exposure include the inhalation of dust containing alpha-emitting radioactive elements, radon, thoron and their decay products, the ingestion of drinking water containing alpha and beta emitting radioactive elements, and exposure to gamma. Methods This study used industry radiation emission and occupational exposure to NORM data from three surface lithium mines in Western Australia (WA) for the period between 2018 and 2024. Samples were collected from the lithium ore, spodumene concentrate, tantalum concentrate, wet tailings and dry tailings to determine radioactivity. Exposure to radiation was compared between the departments including Administration and Support Services, Mining, Crushing & Processing, and Maintenance. Results The study found a high mean radiation emission in the tantalum concentrate of 2.169 Bq/g. The radiation exposures for all the departments ranged from 0.262 mSv per year to 0.544 mSv year, which were significantly below the occupational dose limit of 20 mSv per year. The study found that the reverse osmosis plants significantly reduced the radiation levels in the bore water after treatment. Conclusion The study demonstrated low levels of radiation exposure with the treatment of bore water using reverse osmosis plants. Based on the study results, proactive control measures to protect workers from exposure to tantalum concentrate and the treatment of bore water should be considered.
Air pollution remains a global issue impacting the environment and public health, yet its effects during cultural events remain under-recognised. This study investigated the relationship between selected air pollutants (PM₁₀, NO₂, O₃, SO₂) and cardiovascular and respiratory mortality rates from 2018 to 2022, specifically during the Hajj cultural events in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Time series log-linear models assessed the relationship between monthly air pollutants and cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. We adjusted for season and trend and tested an interaction model for effect modification of Hajj cultural events and COVID-19 on the air pollution mortality associations. A larger association was determined between NO₂ and cardiovascular mortality during Hajj cultural events (RR: 1.17, 95
Background: Lithium is an essential commodity; however, its mining and processing can expose miners to airborne contaminants such as inhalable dust, respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica. These exposures may adversely affect respiratory health. To protect the health of miners, exposure assessment and control activities are required, followed by respiratory health monitoring to assess the effect of exposure on respiratory health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between workgroup exposure to airborne contaminants and respiratory health. To determine group exposure levels, exposure data was collected at the group level, which limits individual-level inference, followed by health monitoring. Methods: Industry health monitoring data were collected from miners in three surface lithium mines in Western Australia for the period between October 2023 and October 2024. Miners from Management Administration & Technical, Crusher/Dry/Wet Plant, and Laboratory Operations participated in a pulmonary function test, completed a health and exposure questionnaire and underwent a low dose high-resolution computed tomography. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with lung function and respiratory symptoms. Results: Older age, smoking and pre-existing respiratory conditions were correlated with poor respiratory airflow. The odds of having a respiratory obstruction or restriction were significantly higher by 3.942 and 2.165 times respectively, for miners who were 40 years old or above, and those who had existing diagnosed respiratory medical conditions. The risk of coughing among current smokers was more than four times higher compared to non-smokers. In addition, working in Crushing and Processing was significantly associated with the risk of experiencing respiratory symptoms compared to working in Management Administration & Technical and Laboratory Operations. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that respiratory health was influenced by non-work-related risk factors. Based on these results, it is recommended that health promotion programs be developed and implemented to empower miners to cease smoking and to manage non-work-related respiratory conditions.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of death globally, and a major contributor to CVD mortality is ambient air pollution (AAP). This study aimed to evaluate associations between AAP and mortality from CVD, including ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and strokes. Data on daily mortality records, six criteria AAP and meteorology in the capital city of Mongolia were collected between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2022. A time-stratified case-crossover design was analysed with distributed lag conditional Poisson regression to estimate the relative risk of CVD mortality. We found that for each interquartile range increase in PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2 pollutants, the risk of CVD mortality increased by 1.5% (RR = 1.015; 95% CI: 1.005, 1.025), 4.4% (RR = 1.044; 95% CI: 1.029, 1.059), 3.1% (RR = 1.033; 95% CI: 1.015, 1.047) and 4.8% (RR = 1.048; 95% CI: 1.013, 1.085) at lag01, respectively. The association between all pollutants, except O3, and CVD mortality was higher in subgroups ≥ 65 years and male, during the cold season and after using a new type of coal briquettes. Despite using the new type of coal briquettes, Ulaanbaatar’s ambient air pollution remained higher than the WHO’s guidelines. Based on our findings, we recommend that efforts should be focused on adopting more efficient strategies to reduce the current pollution level.
Background: Exposure to respirable dust (RES) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is common in mining operations and is associated with health effects such as pneumoconiosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis, lung cancer, and renal disease. Methods: This study used industry occupational exposure data for respirable dust from two surface lithium mines in Western Australia for the period between 2017 and 2023. A total of 1122 samples were collected in workgroups across four departments - administration and support, mining, crushing and processing, and maintenance. Results: The study found that the overall RES concentration did not exceed the exposure standard. However, Crusher Dry/Wet Plant Personnel (0.558 mg/m3) and Workshop Boilermakers (0.842 mg/m3) recorded elevated exposure to RES. The highest mean exposures for RCS over the seven-year study period were measured for Management Administration & Technical (0.068 mg/m3), followed by Crusher Dry/Wet Plant Personnel (0.042 mg/m3), exceeding the ES. Maximum results for both RES (15.00 mg/m3) and RCS (2.50 mg/m3) indicated exceedances. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a decline in exposure to RES over the seven years of study from 0.472 mg/m3 to 0.151 mg/m3, with a slight increase in 2019 and 2022. A decline in the concentration of RCS was observed between 2019 -2021, followed by an increase after 2021. The mean concentration of RCS exceeded the exposure standard in 2023. Based on the study results and the established adverse health effects associated with exposure to silica, various control measuresto protect workers from RCS exposure should be considered.
The mining sector plays a crucial role in the economies of West Africa and Western Australia, contributing to GDP, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. However, the sector also faces environmental, social, and health challenges, including land and water degradation, human rights violations, and occupational hazards. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these challenges, affecting aspects of the mining industry. This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for literature search and selection. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles published from 2019 to 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on COVID-19 management strategies in West Africa and Western Australia mining sectors. Mining industries in both regions adopted a spectrum of strategies. These included lockdowns and movement restrictions, extensive testing and contact tracing, quarantine protocols, stringent health and safety measures, support for vulnerable artisanal miners, technology integration to reduce human interaction, flexible work arrangements, and mental health support. Some companies diversified their supply chains, and community engagement programmes aimed to inform and support local populations. However, these strategies often led to disruptions, work stoppages, and reduced production. Lockdowns affected mining community mobility and COVID-19 cases among miners. Mental health concerns arose, particularly in Western Australia, due to isolation measures and job insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effects on mining industries in both regions. We have provided insights for future research and industry practices, emphasising the necessity of resilient strategies to protect both well-being and economic stability during pandemics.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can adversely affect children’s health; however, limited studies have quantified indoor air pollutants in day-care centres (DCCs) where infants and young children are increasingly spending more time from a younger age. The aim of this study was to investigate seasonal IAQ in Western Australian childcare facilities at both heavy traffic and low traffic locations. In 22 centres, total volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM) measured in six size fractions (total PM, PM 10 , PM 4 , PM 2.5 , PM 1 , ultrafine particles), and meteorological parameters (temperature and relative humidity), were continuously sampled over a 24-h period, in the cold season and repeated in the warm season. All contaminants (other than formaldehyde) in the summer and/or winter collections, or averaged over both seasons, were found to be above contemporary air quality standards, guidelines, best practice statements, or other available guidelines developed to protect human health. Furthermore, all contaminants were present at higher concentrations indoors where a DCC was located within 100 m of a heavy traffic roadway. The findings of this study suggest that children who attend these facilities on a regular basis may be chronically exposed to a range of health damaging contaminants during critical stages of their development. The findings support the need for measures to reduce concentrations of air pollutants in DCCs. Preventative actions such as attention to DCC siting, selection of appropriate building materials and furnishings, improvement in ventilation, and usage of ‘green’ cleaning products should be considered to reduce children’s exposures to harmful airborne contaminants.
This study investigated associations between a range of indoor air pollutants with household characteristics in 111 non-smoking residences located in Perth, Western Australia. Overall, the mean 24-hour indoor concentrations for PM10 and PM2.5 were below and above the World Health Organisation (WHO) (ambient) guideline values (GV) of 45 µg/m3 and 15 µg/m3, respectively. Concentrations of measured gases were low, other than nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which recorded a mean 24-hour concentration above the WHO GV (0.013ppm). Higher concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were observed as the number of household occupants increased. The type of heating and/or cooling appliances used was associated with higher concentrations of TVOC, CO2, carbon monoxide (CO), NO2 and all size fractions of particulate matter (PM). Households that were opened daily for fresh air recorded higher concentrations of all PM size fractions and NO2 when compared to those that were infrequently aired. These findings contribute to a better understanding of household characteristics that influence indoor air quality (IAQ) in homes where cigarette smoke, a significant contributor to residential air pollution, has been eliminated. These results are useful for modifying some behavioural choices by home occupants and can also inform meaningful risk mitigation strategies aimed at improving IAQ in residential settings.
A substantial volume of research has been undertaken in the domain of indoor environment and energy usage, however there is a dearth of research on assessing cognitive function in conjunction with them. This study aims to bridge the existing gap by investigating the impact of an indoor environmental quality and energy consumption of an existing naturally ventilated lecture room on intellectual performance. The 24 research participants were subjected to three scenarios each with different combinations of aperture settings and fan operation. The participants were engaged in a cognitive game called - 'Brain Training - Logic Puzzles' and asked to fill up a survey to capture environmental perception, cognitive problem and physical problems at an interval of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes and 30 minutes. Indoor environmental parameters (indoor temperature, RH, air movement, CO2 level and illumination) and thermal comfort indices (PMV-PPD) were measured using Testo 400 equipped with turbulence probe, CO2 probe, lux probe and humidity/temperature probe. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, correlated by deploying Spearman's rank correlation test and visualized through graphs. The energy consumption pattern was observed to indirectly influence cognitive challenges confronted during the experiment, primarily by persuading illumination, temperature, temperature satisfaction, temperature perception, air movement. This study also emphasized the importance of PMV-PPD in directly influencing cognitive productivity. Further, physical difficulties such as headache, itching eyelids and dry eyes were observed to be directly correlated to cognitive performance.
Population Medicine considers the following types of articles:• Research Papers -reports of data from original research or secondary dataset analyses.• Review Papers -comprehensive, authoritative, reviews within the journal's scope.These include both systematic reviews and narrative reviews.• Short Reports -brief reports of data from original research.• Policy Case Studies -brief articles on policy development at a regional or national level.• Study Protocols -articles describing a research protocol of a study.• Methodology Papers -papers that present different methodological approaches that can be used to investigate problems in a relevant scientific field and to encourage innovation.• Methodology Papers -papers that present different methodological approaches that can be used to investigate problems in a relevant scientific field and to encourage innovation.
Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is common in a range of industries, including mining, and has been associated with adverse health effects such as silicosis, lung cancer, and non-malignant respiratory diseases. This study used a large population database of 6,563 mine workers from Western Australia who were examined for personal exposure to RCS between 2001 and 2012. A standardized respiratory questionnaire was also administered to collect information related to their respiratory health. Logistic regression analyses were performed to ascertain the association between RCS concentrations and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among mine workers. The estimated exposure levels of RCS (geometric mean 0.008mg/m(3), GSD 4.151) declined over the study period (p < 0.001) and were below the exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m(3). Miners exposed to RCS had a significantly higher prevalence of phlegm (p = 0.017) and any respiratory symptom (p = 0.013), even at concentrations within the exposure limit. Miners are susceptible to adverse respiratory health effects at low levels of RCS exposure. More stringent prevention strategies are therefore recommended to protect mine workers from RCS exposures.
It is well reported that individuals spend up to 90% of their daily time indoors, with between 60% to 90% of this time being spent in the home. Using a cross-sectional study design in a population of 111 healthy adults (mean age: 52.3 ± 9.9 years; 65% women), we investigated the association between exposure to total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor residential environments and measures of central arterial stiffness, known to be related to cardiovascular risk. Indoor VOC concentrations were measured along with ambulatory measures of pulse pressure (cPP), augmentation index (cAIx) and cAIx normalized for heart rate (cAIx75), over a continuous 24-h period. Pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was determined during clinical assessment. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between measures of arterial stiffness and VOCs after adjusting for covariates. Higher 24-h, daytime and night-time cAIx was associated with an interquartile range increase in VOCs. Similar effects were shown with cAIx75. No significant effects were observed between exposure to VOCs and cPP or cfPWV. After stratifying for sex and age (≤50 years; >50 years), effect estimates were observed to be greater and significant for 24-h and daytime cAIx in men, when compared to women. No significant effect differences were seen between age groups with any measure of arterial stiffness. In this study, we demonstrated that residential indoor VOCs exposure was adversely associated with some measures of central arterial stiffness, and effects were different between men and women. Although mechanistic pathways remain unclear, these findings provide a possible link between domestic VOCs exposure and unfavourable impacts on individual-level cardiovascular disease risk.
Occupational exposure to dust has been recognised as a significant health hazard to mine workers. This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to inhalable (INH) and respirable (RES) dust and respiratory health among mine workers in Western Australia using an industry-wide exposure database. The database comprised cross-sectional surveys conducted by mining companies for the period 2001–2012. The study population consisted of 12,797 workers who were monitored for exposure to INH and RES dust and undertook health assessments including a respiratory questionnaire and spirometry test. Despite the general trend of declining exposure to both INH and RES dust observed over the 12 years period, mine workers reported a higher prevalence of phlegm and cough when exposed to elevated concentrations of INH and RES dust. Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the positive association between INH dust exposure and the prevalence of phlegm with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.033 (95% CI 1.012–1.052). Overall, 6.3% of miners might have potential airway obstruction, and exposure to INH dust was associated with impaired lung function parameters. Exposure levels of INH and RES dust particles among mine workers have reduced considerably and were well below currently legislated occupational exposure limits. However, given the reported higher prevalence of phlegm and cough among those with elevated dust concentrations, there is a continued need for effective dust exposure monitoring and control in the mineral mining industry.
Despite that large percentages of individual daily time is spent in the home, few studies have examined the relationship between indoor particulate matter (PM) exposure in residential settings with subclinical indicators of cardiovascular risk. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between exposure to fine (PM 2.5 ) and ultrafine (UFP) PM in domestic indoor environments, with central blood pressure (BP) and component BP measures (pulse pressure, augmented pressure [AP], augmentation index [AIx], mean arterial pressure, pulse wave velocity [PWV]) in 40 non-smoking, otherwise healthy adults (58% women) living in Perth, Western Australia. Overall, in adjusted models, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM 2.5 was associated with a 3.2 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99, 5.45) higher diastolic BP, and a 1.8 mmHg lower AP (95%CI: − 3.63, − 0.01) and 0.4 m/s PWV (95%CI: − 0.80, − 0.08), respectively. For the UFP fraction, an IQR increase was associated with a 5.2% higher AIx (95%CI: 0.51, 9.97) and a 0.6 m/s lower PWV (95%CI: − 1.00, − 0.11). When stratified by sex, higher UFP concentrations were associated with higher DBP and lower PWV among women. Among men, higher UFP concentrations were associated with lower AP. Exposure to domestic indoor fine and ultrafine PM was associated with preclinical indicators of cardiovascular risk and some of these relationships were affected by sex. These findings contribute important evidence linking low-level residential indoor PM exposure with measurable impacts on cardiovascular physiology and may inform preventative recommendations as part of risk profiles for susceptible individuals.