AUTHOR=Olstrup Henrik , Raza Wasif , Nilsson Sommar Johan , Orru Hans TITLE=The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Long-Term Mortality Associated With Exposure to PM2.5: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews VOLUME=46 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1607290 DOI=10.3389/phrs.2025.1607290 ISSN=2107-6952 ABSTRACT=Objectives

Socioeconomic status (SES) is in many cases related to air pollution exposure, but less is known about its effects on susceptibility to air pollution. The main aim of this study was to analyse the impact of SES on health effects associated with exposure to fine particles (PM2.5).

Methods

Firstly, a systematic literature review of studies analysing the impacts of SES on health effects related to air pollution exposure was carried out. Secondly, a meta-analysis was performed by analysing studies on long-term mortality associated with exposure to PM2.5 divided into different SES groups.

Results

The meta-analysis showed that the relative risk (RR) for all-cause mortality associated with PM2.5 did not depend on individual education or income. It also revealed that adjustment for individual lifestyle factors (such as smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, eating behaviours, and body mass index), in addition to adjustment for SES, did not significantly change the RR.

Conclusion

The association between all-cause mortality and PM2.5 did not depend on education or individual income. Due to the high heterogeneity observed, further studies are required to draw firm conclusions.