Affiliation:
1. Kuopio University Hospital and University of Kuopio, Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, PO Box 1777,FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
Abstract
Exposure to ambient particulate air pollution leads to adverse cardiovascular and respiratory effects. It has been estimated that air pollution could be responsible for 0.8 million (1.4%) deaths per year worldwide. Air pollution may worsen the sequelae of coronary atherosclerosis and, potentially accelerate its development. Some of the pollution effects occur rather abruptly, like the triggering of an arrhythmia or myocardial infarction, or some over time, such as, acceleration of the progression of atherosclerosis. Particulate matter is a complex mixture; the particles vary in size and composition. Therefore, it is unlikely that a single mechanism would explain the various effects seen. In this review, potential mechanisms of adverse cardiovascular effects of ambient air particles are discussed.
Subject
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine,Molecular Medicine
Reference14 articles.
1. Fog along the Meuse valley
2. SchrenkHH, Heimann H, Clayton GD, Gafafer GD, Waxler H: Air pollution in Donora, PA. Epidemiology of the unusual smog episode of October 1948. Public Health bulletin no.306.Federal Security Agency, Washington, DC (1949).
3. Ministry of Health: Mortality and morbidity during the London fog of December, 1952. Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Reports on public health and medical subjects no. 95(1954).
4. Air pollution responsible for 600 000 premature deaths worldwide
5. Health impact assessment of air pollution: providing further evidence for public health action