UK: Long-term exposure to air pollution may significantly raise the risk of developingchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)among individuals withasthma—especially those with a heightened genetic predisposition—according to a new study published inThorax, a journal of the BMJ. Conducted by Guoxing Li and colleagues from the Environmental Research Group at Imperial College London, the study examined the joint influence ofair pollutionandgenetic susceptibilityon the progression from asthma to COPD. The research sheds light on how environmental and genetic factors interact to contribute to this serious respiratory condition. Drawing on data from the UK Biobank, the study followed 46,832 individuals with asthma over a median period of 10.8 years. During this time, 3,759 participants developed COPD. Researchers used land-use regression models to estimate baseline exposure levels to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), two common air pollutants. The key findings of the study were as follows: The study highlights an important and previously under-recognized health concern: the transition from asthma to COPD is not only influenced by genetic makeup but also by ongoing environmental exposures, even at pollutant levels considered to be within acceptable limits. Given the chronic nature and substantial health burden of COPD, these findings underscore the need for more stringent air quality standards and personalized healthcare strategies. Individuals with asthma, particularly those with known genetic vulnerability, may benefit from early interventions aimed at reducing exposure to air pollution. The authors emphasize that this study adds critical evidence supporting the need for public health policies that take both environmental and genetic risk factors into account, especially for vulnerable respiratory patients. Li G, Zhang K, Yang T, et alAir pollution, genetic susceptibility and risk of progression from asthma to COPDThorax Published Online First: 21 July 2025. doi: 10.1136/thorax-2024-222871