Air Pollution Linked to Increased Risk of Meningioma, Study Reveals

A new study suggests that air pollution may increase the risk of developing meningioma, a noncancerous brain tumor. Researchers found a correlation between exposure to pollutants, particularly from traffic, and the likelihood of tumor development. The study, which followed nearly 4 million adults over 21 years, highlights the need for further research to confirm these findings. If air quality improvements can lower brain tumor risks, it could have significant public health implications. Discover more about the study's findings and their potential impact on health.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2025, 15:15 IST

Impact of Air Pollution on Brain Health

New Delhi, July 10: A recent study indicates that air pollution may not only harm the heart and lungs but could also elevate the risk of developing meningioma, a generally noncancerous brain tumor.

Meningioma, a prevalent type of brain tumor, arises in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The research, published in the journal Neurology, establishes a correlation between air pollution and meningioma, though it does not confirm causation.

The investigation examined various air pollutants, particularly those associated with vehicular traffic, such as nitrogen dioxide and ultrafine particles, which are predominantly found in urban areas.

Results showed that individuals exposed to higher levels of these pollutants faced an increased likelihood of developing meningioma.

Ulla Hvidtfeldt, a doctoral researcher at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen, stated, "Different forms of air pollution have been linked to adverse health outcomes, and ultrafine particles are small enough to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, potentially impacting brain tissue directly."

She further noted, "Our findings imply that prolonged exposure to air pollution from traffic and other sources may contribute to the onset of meningioma, reinforcing the evidence that air pollution affects not only the heart and lungs but also the brain."

The study tracked nearly 4 million Danish adults, averaging 35 years of age, over a span of 21 years.

During this period, 16,596 individuals were diagnosed with central nervous system tumors, including 4,645 cases of meningioma.

The research suggests a potential association between exposure to ultrafine particles from traffic and the development of meningioma.

However, the study did not establish significant connections between these pollutants and more aggressive brain tumors like gliomas.

Hvidtfeldt concluded, "Further studies are necessary to validate these findings, but if improving air quality can reduce the risk of brain tumors, it would significantly benefit public health."