Air Pollution Linked to Increased Heart Disease Risk

A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open has found that long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5, or fine particulate matter in the air, can lead to a higher risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks. The study included 3.7 million adults in California, and followed up with the participants for almost 10 years to determine a strong association between long-term PM2.5 exposure with cardiovascular diseases and mortality. The research team warned that even those living in regions where air pollution exposure levels are below or at the US air quality standards are at risk of suffering from a heart attack or death. The team found that the risk of cardiovascular events was particularly strong among those living in low-income communities. The researchers concluded that the current regulatory standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency are not sufficiently protective of human health and should be lowered.