Air pollution speeds up bone loss from osteoporosis: Study

Washington: Increased levels of air pollutants such as nitrous oxides are associated with bone damage among postmenopausal women, according to a study.

Scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, US, found that the effects were most evident on the lumbar



spine, with nitrous oxides (NO) twice as damaging to the area as in normal ageing.

Previous studies on individual pollutants have suggested adverse effects on bone mineral density, osteoporosis risk, and fractures in older individuals.