INTRODUCTION: The beneficial effect of improving air quality on lung function in the elderly remains unclear. We examined associations between decline in air pollutants and lung function, and effect modifications by genetics and body mass index (BMI), in elderly German women. METHODS: Data were analysed from the prospective SALIA (Study on the influence of Air pollution on Lung function, Inflammation and Aging) study (n=601). Spirometry was conducted at baseline (1985-1994; age 55 years), in 200...