Particulate pollution increases heart attack risk

01/29/2014

Long-term particulate matter pollution - even below the currently set limit values ​​- is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. This is the result of scientists in a recent population study.

The researchers studied the effects of particulate matter on health. The result: high air pollution at the place of residence increases the risk of a heart attack.

The scientists evaluated the data from more than 100,000 participants. At baseline, all participants were heart healthy. Over an observation period of 11.5 years on average, data on cardiovascular disease were collected and compared with concentrations of "airborne" airborne particles at the place of residence.

An increase in the annual concentration of particulate matter by 5 µg / m³ or 10 µg / m³ in the air led to a 13 and 12% increased risk of myocardial infarction. This occurred even when the particle concentrations were below the EU-wide limits. (Pm)