Interdisciplinary expertise in Montpellier to better understand a major public health issue
Every day, 99% of the world’s population breathes polluted air. On a global scale, it is estimated that over 6 million deaths a year are directly linked to air pollution. Beyond these alarming figures, a detailed understanding of the biological mechanisms and social dynamics at play mobilizes a wide range of scientific disciplines. In Montpellier, teams from the One Science Foundation are studying this phenomenon in all its complexity, at the intersection of biology, environmental chemistry, medicine and the social sciences.
What pollution does to our bodies: the mechanisms involved
Fine particles (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone and other air pollutants directly affect our health, even at low concentrations. The Foundation’s partner biologists and doctors are studying the impact of these pollutants at cellular and molecular levels.
“When these particles are inhaled, they cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, but can also cross the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream,” explains Dr. Aurore Leblanc, cell biology researcher in Montpellier. “This contributes to the onset or aggravation of chronic diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
The researchers are also analyzing the long-term effects of chronic exposure, including neurodevelopmental disorders in children or effects on fertility. Using experimental models and cohort data, they are identifying early biomarkers of exposure to pollutants.
Invisible pollution, but socially highly unequal
Air pollution may be ubiquitous, but its impact is not evenly distributed. “People living near roads, in poorly insulated housing or in industrial zones are much more exposed,” notes Anne-Sophie Roux, a health sociologist. “And these are often the most socially vulnerable populations.”
The Foundation’s integrated research projects study these inequalities in exposure and their health consequences. In Montpellier, for example, several neighborhoods combine low incomes, high urban density and proximity to sources of pollution – a cocktail that is particularly harmful to health.
This cross-disciplinary approach enables us to better direct public policies towards targeted strategies: reducing emissions in sensitive areas, urban planning, access to environmental information, or adapting health policies.
When air chemistry and climate meet
Air pollution cannot be dissociated from climate issues. Some pollutants (such as ozone and soot carbon) are also major contributors to global warming. Conversely, heat waves exacerbated by climate change are worsening the effects of pollution, particularly in cities.
The Foundation’s chemists and climatologists model these complex interactions to better predict pollution peaks and their impact on health. They are also working to identify the main sources of pollution at local level, to guide reduction efforts.
Science in the service of prevention
The aim of the teams gathered in Montpellier is clear: to produce precise, interdisciplinary and actionable knowledge to better prevent the effects of air pollution. This involves modeling and monitoring, as well as education and dissemination of results to public health players.
Through this expertise, the One Science Montpellier Foundation is actively contributing to a better understanding of the links between environment and health, with the ambition of building a more equitable and resilient society in the face of environmental risks.