The Effect of Air Pollutants on Chronic Gastrointestinal Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Today, chronic diseases have spread all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) mentions air pollution as the biggest environmental health hazard, attributing 7 million premature deaths every year to this pollution, which includes suspended particles and gases with concentrations that are detrimental to human health. Factors of interest in this field are micrometer diameter particles, tropospheric ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The purpose of this research is to increase public awareness of air pollution and its side effects on different parts of the digestive system. Methods: A narrative review was done using several databases, including PubMed, Magiran, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Relevant studies published from 1990-2021 were identified. Results: Globally, ecological studies have demonstrated a relationship between short-term exposure to air pollution and several gastrointestinal diseases. Conclusion: The results of these studies showed that pollutants have a direct effect on the increased prevalence and number of cases of chronic gastrointestinal diseases. The results of this research can inform policymakers in making comprehensive decisions to solve the problem, individuals who are exposed to pollutants, and the public in raising awareness and promoting the use of protective equipment.