Long-Term Ambient PM2.5 Exposure and Cardiorespiratory Function in Older Adults in Tripura, India: A Multi-Window Exposure Analysis

Dr. Md Mazharul Hoque

Abstract: Background: Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is a leading environmental risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory disease, yet evidence from Northeast India- a region with distinct biomass-burning and forest-fire emission profiles- remains sparse. This study uses the LASI Wave 1 environmental exposure database linked to physiological measurements of older adults in Tripura to examine associations between PM_2.5 exposure (1-year, 5-year, and 10-year averages) and cardiorespiratory outcomes. Methods: Linear mixed-effects models and distributed lag models were used, with Primary Sampling Unit (PSU) as a random intercept, to assess the effects of PM_2.5, NO₂, and ozone across different exposure windows on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and peak expiratory flow. Interaction terms were used to test the modifying effect of greenness coverage on the PM_2.5 effect. Results: Among the PSUs analyzed, the 10-year mean PM_2.5 concentration was 37.2 µg/m³ (range 21.3-41.8). Each 10 µg/m³ increment in PM_2.5 was associated with a 1.8 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure (95% CI: 0.6-3.0) and an 18.5 L/min decrease in peak expiratory flow (95% CI: -31.2 to -5.8), with the 10-year window showing stronger effects than the 5-year and 1-year windows. In the high-greenness group, the PM_2.5 effect on systolic blood pressure was attenuated by approximately 42% (interaction p=0.038). NO₂ (per 10 ppb: OR=1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.24) and ozone (per 10 ppb: peak expiratory flow decrease of 11.3 L/min, 95% CI: -21.7 to -0.9) independently predicted respiratory outcomes. Conclusion: Long-term PM_2.5 exposure is a physiologically relevant risk factor for cardiorespiratory decline in older adults in Tripura, with the strongest effects observed for the 10-year exposure window. Greenness may provide a buffering effect.

Keywords: PM_2.5; blood pressure; peak expiratory flow; greenness; Northeast India; LASI

How to Cite?: Dr. Md Mazharul Hoque, "Long-Term Ambient PM2.5 Exposure and Cardiorespiratory Function in Older Adults in Tripura, India: A Multi-Window Exposure Analysis", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1870-1875, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26924113643, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26924113643

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