Finding the link between air pollution, hydration status, and health outcomes

Introduction: Environmental changes, including increased exposure to air pollutants and factors influencing human hydration status (e.g., heat waves), are increasingly found to impact health outcomes globally. In this short review, we examine available literature discussing the link between air pollution, human hydration status, and health outcomes. Methods: We conducted a narrative literature review in August-September 2024 using available search engines and databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct). We searched for literature from the last 20 years on relevant topics related to ‘air pollution’, ‘hydration status’, and ‘health outcomes’. Result: We found very few studies examining the potential interrelation between air pollution and human hydration status, two states that could be linked with environmental dynamics. Therefore, we highlight the need for more research to explore whether there is a direct link between air pollutant exposure, hydration status, and various health outcomes through biological mechanisms. The importance of preventing exposure to air pollutants and maintaining hydration status due to various possible health outcomes should also urge policymakers and health practitioners to develop interventions aimed at maintaining population health. Conclusion: Preventing exposure to air pollutants and maintaining hydration status are crucial for preserving human health. Current findings indicate that the effects of air pollutants on health outcomes are mediated by inflammatory mechanisms and various other mechanisms, such as alterations in vascular and autonomic systems.