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Environmental Disease
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY NC SA
Data sources: Crossref
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Environmental Disease
Article . 2025
Data sources: DOAJ
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Beyond respiratory effects: A narrative review of air pollution’s impact on thyroid function

Authors: Rahul Garg;

Beyond respiratory effects: A narrative review of air pollution’s impact on thyroid function

Abstract

This review examines the growing body of evidence connecting exposure to air pollution with thyroid dysfunction across various populations and life stages. Recent epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic investigations increasingly identify air pollution – both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants – as a potential endocrine disruptor affecting thyroid function. Evidence suggests that airborne contaminants, especially fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅; particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm), may disrupt thyroid hormone balance, contribute to autoimmune thyroid conditions, and potentially increase thyroid cancer risk. Key biological mechanisms underlying these associations include oxidative stress, inflammation, direct endocrine disruption, neuroendocrine system disruption, and epigenetic alterations. Particularly susceptible populations include pregnant women, developing fetuses, children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting thyroid conditions or compromised thyroid function. This review identifies significant research gaps, including the need for enhanced exposure assessment methodologies, longitudinal studies, and investigation of component-specific effects within air pollution mixtures, particularly heavy metals. Given the essential role of thyroid hormones in metabolism, development, and numerous physiological processes, these findings carry noteworthy inferences for clinical practice and public health policy. The development of targeted interventions, improved screening protocols, and stronger air quality standards are necessary to address this emerging public health concern. Comprehensive air quality management represents a promising approach to minimize the global burden of thyroid disorders.

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Keywords

thyroid dysfunction, air pollution, pm₂.₅, hyperthyroidism, free triiodothyronine, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disease, thyroid stimulating hormone, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270, free thyroxine, heavy metals

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
1
Average
Average
Average
gold
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