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<p>Given the increasing concerns about the mental health impacts of environmental pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) is notably significant due to its widespread presence and potential neurological effects. However, research exploring the association between PM<sub>2.5</sub>-bound trace elements and depression remains sparse. This nationwide cohort study investigates the long-term effects of exposure to PM<sub>2.5</sub> metal components—specifically copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)—on depression among older US adults, analyzing data from over 30 million Medicare beneficiaries spanning 2000 to 2018. Our findings reveal a strong link between extended exposure to PM<sub>2.5</sub>-bound Cu and Zn and higher depression risks, with the most significant effects observed among all studied metals. These two metals consistently showed the strongest associations across multiple models. Specifically, exposure to Cu and Zn, primarily from non-tailpipe sources such as brake and tire wear, was associated with increased depression rates of 3.5% and 2.2%, respectively, in individuals aged 65 years and older. These results underscore the necessity for targeted public health interventions and policies that address the mental health impacts of specific environmental contaminants, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, and highlight the importance of considering environmental factors within the broader context of mental health and aging.</p>

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A national cohort study of long-term exposure to PM2.5 trace element components and depression in older adults in the USA

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月11日

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  • Hua Hao,
  • Yanling Deng,
  • Ke Xu,
  • Yang Liu,
  • Kyle Steenland

摘要

Given the increasing concerns about the mental health impacts of environmental pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is notably significant due to its widespread presence and potential neurological effects. However, research exploring the association between PM2.5-bound trace elements and depression remains sparse. This nationwide cohort study investigates the long-term effects of exposure to PM2.5 metal components—specifically copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)—on depression among older US adults, analyzing data from over 30 million Medicare beneficiaries spanning 2000 to 2018. Our findings reveal a strong link between extended exposure to PM2.5-bound Cu and Zn and higher depression risks, with the most significant effects observed among all studied metals. These two metals consistently showed the strongest associations across multiple models. Specifically, exposure to Cu and Zn, primarily from non-tailpipe sources such as brake and tire wear, was associated with increased depression rates of 3.5% and 2.2%, respectively, in individuals aged 65 years and older. These results underscore the necessity for targeted public health interventions and policies that address the mental health impacts of specific environmental contaminants, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, and highlight the importance of considering environmental factors within the broader context of mental health and aging.