Presentation description

This research project aims to understand whether the increased risk of cardiometabolic disease with air pollution exposure varies by occupation and occupational factors. In particular, we examine occupational group and occupational factors (i.e., job strain, occupational status, outdoor work environment) as moderators of the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and risk of cardiometabolic disease. We used data from the MIDUS (Midlife in the United States) study that surveyed a national sample of adults in the US. Our sample included employed adults between ages 30 and 64. Cardiometabolic (CMB) disease was assessed as a summary score consisting of diabetes, hypertension, central obesity, and heart problems, reported by participants in approximately 2005 and 2014. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 was determined based on ambient concentration in census tracts of residence from 2001-2005 and 2006-2010. To model associations between PM2.5 and CMB disease, we used Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. Participants in administrative, sales, and service occupations had higher CMB prevalence relative to those in professional/managerial occupations. PM2.5 was not associated with prevalent or incident CMB disease and this relationship did not vary by occupational group. Moreover, occupational factors did not moderate the relationship between PM2.5 and CMB disease outcomes. In conclusion, occupation did not appear to increase vulnerability to the cardiometabolic risks of residential air pollution exposure.