Dr Andrea Baccarelli, who took part in the study, said: "Decades of careful research has documented the health risks of air pollution, from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, to cancer, and impaired cognition, and now osteoporosis." "Among the many benefits of clean air, our research suggests, are improved bone health and a way to prevent bone fractures." In research published earlier this year, Dr Baccarelli reported that Vitamin B can diminish the effects of air pollution-induced cardiovascular disease, as well as epigenetic damage to DNA. It is unclear, however, if the benefits of Vitamin B extend to bone loss. The National Osteoporosis Society advises eating most dairy products, green leafy vegetables, broccoli and baked beans to gain healthy amounts of calcium and vitamin D, which is known to help strengthen bones. Weight-bearing exercise is also essential, however the greatest value is gained before the age of 30.
Researchers at Columbia University in New York have found that living near polluted roads increases the risk of brittle bones and fractures, particularly in the elderly. The results of their new study, published in Lancet, led researchers to believe that pollution affects the production of key hormones and bone minerals, leading to osteoporosis. Dr Andrea Baccarelli, who took part in the study, said "Among the many benefits of clean air, our research suggests, are improved bone health and a way to prevent bone fractures".