Solar and geomagnetic activity reduces pulmonary function and enhances particulate pollution effects

Authors: Kritika Anand, Carolina L.Z. Vieira, Eric Garshick, Veronica Wang, Annelise Blomberg, Diane R. Gold, Joel Schwartz, Pantel Vokonas, Petros Koutrakis

Year: 2022

Category: Environmental Science

Journal: Science of The Total Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156434

URL: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1fDlOB8cculns

Abstract

Overview

Increased solar and geomagnetic activity (SGA) is associated with significant changes in physiological and environmental conditions that may impact human health.

Background

Shifts in SGA may influence sympathetic nervous system activity and reduce antioxidant capabilities.
These changes contribute to atmospheric aerosol variations which may decrease pulmonary function.

Objective

This study aims to explore the connection between pulmonary function metrics such as forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) with SGA. It further investigates whether SGA accentuates the harmful impacts of particulate pollutants like black carbon (BC) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Methods

Data from 726 participants of the Normative Aging Study in Boston, USA, between 2000 and 2017, were analyzed using various indicators of SGA like the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), planetary K index (Kp), and sunspot number (SSN).

Findings

Increments in IMF, Kp Index, and SSN correlate with a marked reduction in both FEV1 and FVC. The study notes that longer exposure periods to these SGA measures significantly exacerbate the adverse effects of PM2.5 and BC on lung function.

Conclusion

This research clearly links increased SGA to deteriorations in lung function and highlights the intensified negative impacts on pulmonary health from particulate pollutants during periods of high solar and geomagnetic activity. Given the universal nature of solar exposure, there is a pronounced need for stringent air pollution control, especially concerning vulnerable groups like the elderly.

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