Real-Life Assessment of Multi-Pollutant Exposure and Its Impact on the Ocular Surface

The Bike-Eye Pilot Study on Urban Cyclists in Bologna

Bibliographic Data

ID15500110
AuthorsRoberto Battistini (0000-0002-0444-7630, University of Bologna, corresponding author), Natalie di Geronimo (0000-0002-9359-8608, Azienda USL di Bologna), Emanuele Porru (0000-0001-8041-1085, University of Bologna), Valeria Vignali (0000-0003-2143-9488, University of Bologna), Andrea Simone (0000-0003-0923-9993, University of Bologna), Suzanne Bianca Clougher (University of Bologna), Suzanne Clougher (Ophthalmology Unit, DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy), Silvia Odorici (University of Bologna), Francesco Saverio Violante (0000-0003-4084-2782, University of Bologna), Luigi Fontana (0000-0001-8500-5537, Azienda USL di Bologna), Piera Versura (0000-0002-2951-5337, Azienda USL di Bologna)
Year2025
Volume22
Issue12
Pages1818-1818
Publication date2025-12-04
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22121818
PMID41464452
OpenAlexW4416994128
LanguageEN
References cited36

Background : Urban air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), poses health risks, including damage to the ocular surface. This pilot study (BIKE-EYE) aimed to assess ocular exposure to airborne pollutants during bicycle commuting and to evaluate particle presence in human tear fluid. Methods : Fifteen healthy volunteers wore portable sensors measuring PM2.5 and PM10 during daily bike commutes over six months. Exposure was calculated as time-weighted integrals over the ten days preceding an ophthalmologic exam assessing conjunctival hyperemia, epithelial damage, tear film quality, and meibomian gland function. Ocular symptoms were assessed via the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Tear samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results : Higher pollutant exposure was significantly associated with conjunctival hyperemia and corneal epithelial damage, while temperature and humidity showed no effect. OSDI scores moderately correlated with PM levels. SEM/EDS analysis confirmed airborne particles in post-exposure tear samples, including carbonaceous material, aluminosilicates, iron, and sulfur compounds. Conclusions : Ocular surface alterations and conjunctival hyperemia were significantly associated with air pollution exposure, while subjective symptoms showed weaker trends. The detection of particulate matter in human tear fluid supports the use of the ocular surface as a sensitive, non-invasive tool for biomonitoring. These findings highlight its potential role in early warning systems for pollution-related health effects, with implications for public health surveillance and urban planning

Air pollutants · Human health · Meibomian gland · Particulates · Poison control · Tears · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Corneal Surgery and Treatments · Ocular Surface and Contact Lens

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