BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Air pollution poses significant risks to human health, but its impact on gastrointestinal (GI) health remains underexplored. This study assesses the long-term effects of air pollution on GI diseases using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). METHODS: This nationwide cohort study utilized CHARLS data from participants recruited in 2011, followed by surveys in 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020. Long-term exposure to PM RESULTS: The incidence of GI disease was 21.4% among participants. Long-term exposure to PM CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to multiple air pollutants increases the risk of GI diseases, while ozone may potentially offer some protective effects. Public health measures to reduce air pollution, especially in urban areas, and to protect high-risk groups are urgently needed.