Associations of Exposure to Typical Environmental Organic Pollutants with Cardiopulmonary Health and the Mediating Role of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Crossover Study

Objective The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. Methods A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators. Results Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI ): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI : 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4- hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI : 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI : −4.66%, −1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI : −4%, −1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI : −4.68%, −1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function. Conclusion Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.