Prolonged Exposure to Air Pollution Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Problems

Long-term exposure to fine-particle dust is associated with a higher risk of stroke, regardless of the subject's exposure to noise at his or her home address.

Pollution is a global problem and poses a major environment-related health threat. A new study has revealed that apart from respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases, increased air pollution can also elevate your risk of suffering a stroke. However, the researchers did not find any such link between noise pollution and increased stroke risk.

Researcher Barbara Hoffmann from Heinrich-Heine-University Dusseldorf in Germany investigated the association between stroke and cardiovascular disease occurrence, and exposure to particulate matter and noise pollution. The study involved more than 4,400 people aged between 45 and 74 years residing in the German Ruhr region. Researchers collected information regarding stroke or cardiovascular disease occurrence and/or associated mortality on an annual basis. Also, they evaluated exposure to particulate matter and noise according to participants’ place of residence.

Air Pollution - Pollutants - Health Effect - Efforts to Reduce
Nearly 2.4 million deaths every year are attributable to air pollution. Air pollutants may be solid particles, liquid droplets or gases. Proper planning methods should be adopted to reduce air pollution.

Hoffmann said, "Long-term exposure to fine-particle dust is associated with a higher risk of stroke, regardless of the subject’s exposure to noise at his or her home address."

The study is published in the Deutsches Arzteblatt International.

Source-Medindia

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