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Objectives: Socioeconomic status (SES) is in many cases related to air pollution exposure, but less is known about its effects on susceptibility to air pollution. The main aim of this study was to analyse the impact of SES on health effects associated with exposure to fine particles (PM_2.5).

Methods: Firstly, a systematic literature review of studies analysing the impacts of SES on health effects related to air pollution exposure was carried out. Secondly, a meta-analysis was performed by analysing studies on long-term mortality associated with exposure to PM_2.5 divided into different SES groups.

Results: The meta-analysis showed that the relative risk (RR) for all-cause mortality associated with PM_2.5 did not depend on individual education or income. It also revealed that adjustment for individual lifestyle factors (such as smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, eating behaviours, and body mass index), in addition to adjustment for SES, did not significantly change the RR.

Conclusion: The association between all-cause mortality and PM_2.5 did not depend on education or individual income. Due to the high heterogeneity observed, further studies are required to draw firm conclusions.