SummaryThis research project uses data from the NAKO Health Study to investigate how air pollution combined with physical activity affects lung function. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is one of the leading global health risks, while physical activity is recognized as one of the most effective preventive measures for chronic diseases. However, simultaneous exposure to air pollution during physical activity-such as cycling or walking in traffic-raises the question of whether the health benefits of exercise outweigh the potential harm from pollutants. The aim of this project is to analyze whether physical activity modifies the association between long term air pollution exposure and lung function. The projected duration of the project is 24 months. The findings will provide important insights for public health recommendations on promoting active mobility in polluted environments, ultimately supporting strategies to improve population health.

Keywords Air-pollution Health-Impact Particulate-Matter Ultrafine-particles exposure-assessment lung-function physical-activity

InstitutionsHeinrich-Heine Universität, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Universität Münster, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Center For Health And Society, HHU, Universität Regensburg, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS