Air pollution linked to baldness for first time

Scientists find air pollution reduces levels of proteins the human body needs and can lead to baldness

Air pollution may cause baldness, scientists have shown for the first time. A study found that fine particulate matter emitted by cars damaged the skin that holds hair follicles in place. A series of laboratory tests on human cells showed levels of the crucial proteins needed for hair to grow and be retained decreased the more they were exposed to pollution particles. Researchers said exercising indoors rather than in polluted cities could be a way to reduce hair loss.

AIR pollution may cause baldness, scientists have shown for the first time.

A study found that fine particulate matter emitted by cars damaged the skin that holds hair follicles in place.

A series of laboratory tests on human cells showed levels of the crucial proteins needed for hair to grow and be retained decreased the more they were exposed to pollution particles.

While there is a growing body of evidence to show how these tiny particles can damage internal health, including by entering the bloodstream through the lungs, it is the first to demonstrate such a risk to the surface of the body.

Researchers said exercising indoors rather than in polluted cities could be a way to reduce hair loss.

The study was conducted by exposing human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCS) to various concentrations of Pm10-like – particulate 10 micrometers or less in diameter – dust and diesel particulate. After 24 hours, the researchers performed a process, known as western blotting, to detect the levels of specific proteins in the cells.

The results showed the presence of PM10 and diesel particulate decreased levels of Beta-catenin, a protein responsible for hair growth.

They also revealed the levels of three other proteins – cyclin D1, cyclin E and CDK2 – responsible for hair growth and hair retention, were decreased by Pm10-like dust and diesel particulate in a “dose-dependent” manner.

Dr Hyuk Chul Kwon, who led the study at the Future Science Research Centre, South Korea, said: “While the link between air pollution and serious diseases such as cancer, COPD and CVD are well established there is little to no research on the effect of particular matter exposure on the human skin and hair in particular. Our research explains the mode of action of air pollutants on human follicle dermal papilla cells, showing how the most common air pollutants lead to hair loss.”

Recent research in China, found men in their 20s were going bald sooner than previous generations. Although balding is typically associated with ageing, an increasing number of millennials in the US say they are experiencing hair loss.

Two thirds of all men will eventually be affected. This means roughly 7.4million UK men are losing their hair.

Genetic factors remain the most influential known cause of baldness.

Particulate matter sources include burning fossil fuels – including petrol, diesel and solid-fuels such as coal, oil and biomass – as well as industrial activities such as building, mining and manufacturing building materials such as cement, ceramics and bricks.

“While it is difficult to escape ambient pollution, limiting time walking on busy streets, especially during rush hour, should help to reduce exposure,” said Mr Kwon. “If you are exercising outdoors, try to do so in areas that are less polluted and do not spend too much time waiting at traffic hotspots such as traffic lights.”

The study is being presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress, Madrid.

Earlier this year, a study published in the European Heart Journal showed that pollution is now killing nearly as many people as smoking in Britain.

The data suggested the toll is approaching 64,000 a year, compared to 78,000 deaths caused by tobacco.