Association between air pollution and bone mineral density: a Mendelian randomization study

Introduction The association of air pollution with bone mineral density (BMD) has attracted increasing attention. However, establishing a causal relationship remains uncertain. Methods We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study employing PM_2.5, PM_2.5-10, PM₁₀, nitrogen dioxide, and nitrogen oxides as exposures and BMD as the outcome to explore the causality between air pollution and the occurrence of decreased BMD. Results By employing the IVW method, we identified a negative causality between air pollution (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and nitrogen oxides) and BMD. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and nitrogen oxides exposure may contribute to decreased BMD.