Feng Y, Jones MR, Chu NM, et al. - Researchers investigated if exposure to fine particulate matter results in elevation of mortality risk in older patients undergoing dialysis. They used the US Renal Data System to select older adults starting dialysis (2010–2016). They also obtained PM _2.5 [particulate matter with diameter < 2.5 µm] concentrations. A 1.16-fold elevated risk of mortality in relation to a 10 μg/m ³ increase in PM _2.5 was observed for older dialysis patients who resided in areas with high PM _2.5; also, populations most vulnerable to high PM _2.5 were those who were female, Black, or had diabetes as a primary cause of renal failure. Findings revealed elevated risk of mortality in older adults starting dialysis who resided in ZIP codes with PM _2.5 levels >12 μg/m ³ . An increased risk was observed in those aged >75, even at concentrations below the Environmental Protection Agency Standard for PM _2.5 .