Association between dust exposure and dyslipidemia among coal miners: a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dust exposure and dyslipidemia among coal miners, and to identify related risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 5433 coal miners who underwent occupational health examinations at the Huainan Yangguang Xinkang Hospital. Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of dyslipidemia, and their baseline information and dust exposure status were recorded. Univariate analysis was used to screen for risk factors associated with dyslipidemia, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounding factors. Stratified analyses and smooth curve fitting were used to explore the effect of dust exposure on dyslipidemia in different subgroups. A silica-exposed mouse model was established to confirm the causal relationship between dust exposure and dyslipidemia. Results Of the 5433 coal miners included in the study, 3162 (58.2%) had dyslipidemia. Univariate analysis indicated that dust exposure, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and abnormal blood pressure were significant risk factors for dyslipidemia (P-value < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors showed that dust exposure was still significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Stratified analyses and smooth curve fitting further confirmed the effect of dust exposure on dyslipidemia in different subgroups. The silica-exposed mouse model confirmed the causal relationship between dust exposure and dyslipidemia. Conclusion These findings highlight the potential impact of dust exposure on cardiovascular health in coal miners, and emphasize the need for prevention and control measures. Dust exposure was identified as an important risk factor for dyslipidemia among coal miners, which should be taken seriously and addressed effectively.