Air Pollution & Men's Health

Air pollution increases the risk of death from heart attack



As part of the new study, scientists have even more compelling case for proof of the fact that elevated levels of air pollution may be associated with a greater risk of heart attacks, heart attacks and death from cardiovascular disease. The results were published online in the Journal of the European Heart Journal.

According to the experts, to analyse the data for the whole group of epidemiological, toxicological and other medical research over the past six years, most strongly increases the risk of air pollution fine aerosol particles as small as 2.5 microns. These particles are released into the atmosphere, mainly from burning fossil fuels in industry, transport and energy.

The scientists found that the mortality rate in certain cities increased with increasing air pollution at 2.5 microns - tiny particles - 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which is about 30 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.

Dr. Cathryn Tonne, professor of environmental epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene, commented that with the opening of new production facilities in different cities in Europe in recent years, the level of pollutants in the air is often increased by the amount specified. This led to an increase in the risk of death from heart attack and stroke by 20%, and in the cities of Eastern Europe, where the control in this area is very low, levels of contamination were appalling. According to experts, if today's patients with the problems of the cardiovascular system to move to more environmentally friendly conditions, the risk of death from heart attack are automatically reduced by 12%.

In London, the risk of death from cardiovascular disease was increased by 25%, while in Birmingham on 17%, and in Manchester, the traditional commercial center of the country - 23%, with data on other cities were mixed. Experts note that the prediction of environmental conditions in a particular city should consider many aspects, including the height above sea level, and the state of water and soil. In some cities in Northern Europe, traditionally under the influence of strong air currents (winds), the degree of contamination is low, while in urban areas with standing air, these levels, however, will be further enhanced.