Air pollution raises risk of heart disease-related disability, death
Air pollution raises risk of heart disease-related disability, death Medical News Today
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Effects of Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Health
Introduction
A recent study investigated the effects of air pollution on cardiovascular health. The study found a correlation between air pollution and higher numbers of years of life lost, deaths, and years spent in disability. However, it did not establish a causative link between air pollution and cardiovascular health.
Air Pollution and Global Population
Around 91% of the world’s population lives in places where the air quality index exceeds the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Air pollution is one of the largest risk factors for disability and cardiovascular disease, contributing to approximately 1 in 3 deaths globally.
Types of Air Pollution
- Coarse particles: Fewer than 10μm but more than 2.5μm (e.g., dust, pollen, and fly ash)
- Fine particles: Fewer than 2.5μm but more than 0.1μm (e.g., combustion particles and smoke)
- Ultra-fine particles: Fewer than 0.1μm (e.g., diesel exhaust particles and wood burning)
Link Between PM 2.5 and Cardiovascular Health
Research shows that fine particulate matter (PM) is the most influential environmental risk factor for cardiovascular disease mortality and disability. Further study of the link between PM 2.5 and cardiovascular health over time could inform public health policy and recommendations.
Findings of the Study
The study analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, which contains health data from 204 countries. The researchers examined data on particulate matter-attributed ischemic heart disease and stroke between 1990 and 2019. They found that the number of premature cardiovascular disease deaths and years of disability linked to PM 2.5 increased by 31% globally during this period.
Gender and Geographical Disparities
The study revealed significant gender and geographical/sociodemographic disparities in the effects of air pollution on cardiovascular health. Regions with higher socioeconomic conditions had the least years of life lost (YLLs) but the highest number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). On the other hand, countries with lower economic conditions had higher YLLs and lower DALYs.
Impact of Particulate Matter on Cardiovascular Health
Particulate matter air pollution, especially fine and ultrafine particles, can deposit in the lungs and leech harmful substances into the circulatory system. This can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and adverse cardiovascular effects such as atherosclerosis, stroke, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and death.
Indoor Air Pollution and Health
Exposure to indoor air pollution, particularly from biomass fuels used for cooking without proper ventilation, can also contribute to poor health outcomes. Deaths linked to indoor pollution generally declined worldwide, but increased in sub-Saharan Africa due to the use of solid fuel sources. More research is needed to understand the effects of indoor air pollution exposure.
Limitations of the Study
The study has several limitations. It does not distinguish between the effects of different types of particulate matter, and data from low and middle-income countries may be less reliable. Additionally, the study only examined ischemic heart disease and stroke, underestimating the actual impact of particulate matter on cardiovascular disease risk.
Protecting Against Air Pollution
During hazardous levels of air pollution, it is important to monitor the local air quality index. Sensitive groups such as children, asthma patients, and individuals with heart or lung conditions should limit their time outside. When air quality reaches a hazardous level, it is recommended that all people stay indoors with closed windows. Protective equipment, seeking medical attention for health conditions related to particulate matter, and advocating for improved air quality are also important measures.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature death
- Years lived with disability (YLDs)
- Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)
- Number of deaths attributed to particulate matter pollution
- Changes in all-age deaths and DALYs over time
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature death – Years lived with disability (YLDs) – Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) – Number of deaths attributed to particulate matter pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Changes in all-age deaths and DALYs over time |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Changes in all-age deaths and DALYs over time |
Based on the article, the issues of air pollution and its impact on cardiovascular health are connected to multiple SDGs. SDG 3 focuses on good health and well-being, specifically targeting the reduction of deaths and illnesses from air pollution. SDG 11 addresses sustainable cities and communities, emphasizing the need to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. SDG 13 highlights climate action and the integration of measures to address air pollution in national policies and strategies.
The specific targets identified from the article include SDG 3.9, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution, SDG 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities with a focus on air quality, and SDG 13.2, which calls for the integration of climate change measures into national policies.
The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards these targets include years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature death, years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), the number of deaths attributed to particulate matter pollution, and changes in all-age deaths and DALYs over time.
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Source: medicalnewstoday.com
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