Municipal Residence Level of Long-Term PM Exposure Associated with Obesity among Young Adults in Seoul, Korea.

BACKGROUND

long-term effects of ambient pollutants used to be defined in cohort studies using biomarkers. Health effects on young adults from long-term exposure to particulate matters (PM) in residential ambiance have received less attention.

METHODS

using the data of population-representative aged 19-29 in Seoul, the relationship between obesity and PM levels of the living district was examined. We defined obesity as Body Mass Index (BMI) 25 kg/m and more. Survey logistic regression was conducted according to individual residence periods in the current municipality. Individual characteristics were adjusted overall and were age-specific; aged 19-24 and 25-29.

RESULTS

study population was 3655 (1680 (46%) men and 1933 aged 19-24 (52.9%)) individuals. Relationship between length of residence in municipalities with a greater level of PM from 2001-2005 and obesity was increased over the residing period; 10 years ≤ (odds ratio (OR) 1.071, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.969-1.185), 15 years ≤ (1.120, 1.006-1.247), and 20 years ≤ (1.158, 1.034-1.297) in aged 19-29. Age-specific effects showed slight differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PM levels are currently decreasing, higher levels of PM exposure in the residential area during the earlier lifetime may contribute to obesity increase among young adults.