 |
|
Even low levels of air pollution may pose stroke risk
June 02, 2008Short-term exposure to low levels of particulate air pollution may increase the risk of stroke or mini-stroke, according to findings that suggest current exposure standards could be insufficient to protect the public.
"The vast majority of the public is exposed to ambient air pollution at the levels observed in this community or greater every day, suggesting a potentially large public health impact," said Lynda Lisabeth, lead author and assistant professor in the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
However, Lisabeth stressed that the association requires further study in other areas with varying climates and alternative study designs. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
The study examined particulate air pollution in a southeast Texas community where there is a large petroleum and petrochemical industry presence. Particulate matter is one type of air pollution, defined as tiny particles of solid or liquid that can cause numerous health problems when inhaled. These particles can be man-made or from natural sources.
In the study, researchers identified ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIA), sometimes called mini strokes but that often lead to a stroke later. Ischemic attacks are caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain by a blood clot.
The results showed borderline significant associations between same day and previous day fine particulate matter exposures and ischemic stroke/TIA risk. Similar associations were also seen with ozone, another type of pollution. Despite the fossil fuel industry in the area, fine particulate matter exposures were low relative to other regions of the country, probably because of the proximity to the coast and prevailing wind patterns.
Findings suggest that recent exposure to fine particulate matter may increase the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular events specifically. Some research has shown that particulate air pollution is associated with acute artery vasoconstriction and with increased thickening of the blood, which may enhance the potential for blood clots. However, this requires further study.
Researchers looked at data from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project, a population-based stroke surveillance project designed to capture all strokes in Nueces County, Texas. Ischemic stroke and TIA cases between 2001 and 2005 were identified using trained staff and later verified by neurologists. Daily historical air pollutant and meteorological data were obtained for the same time period from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's Monitoring Operations database. Data on fine particulate matter and ozone were available from a centrally located monitor in Corpus Christi, Tex., located upwind of the local industrial facilities. The majority of stroke/TIA cases were also located upwind of local chemical plants and refineries.
University of Michigan
The study examined particulate air pollution in a southeast Texas community where there is a large petroleum and petrochemical industry presence. Particulate matter is one type of air pollution, defined as tiny particles of solid or liquid that can cause numerous health problems when inhaled. These particles can be man-made or from natural sources.
In the study, researchers identified ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIA), sometimes called mini strokes but that often lead to a stroke later. Ischemic attacks are caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain by a blood clot.
The results showed borderline significant associations between same day and previous day fine particulate matter exposures and ischemic stroke/TIA risk. Similar associations were also seen with ozone, another type of pollution. Despite the fossil fuel industry in the area, fine particulate matter exposures were low relative to other regions of the country, probably because of the proximity to the coast and prevailing wind patterns.
Findings suggest that recent exposure to fine particulate matter may increase the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular events specifically. Some research has shown that particulate air pollution is associated with acute artery vasoconstriction and with increased thickening of the blood, which may enhance the potential for blood clots. However, this requires further study.
Researchers looked at data from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project, a population-based stroke surveillance project designed to capture all strokes in Nueces County, Texas. Ischemic stroke and TIA cases between 2001 and 2005 were identified using trained staff and later verified by neurologists. Daily historical air pollutant and meteorological data were obtained for the same time period from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's Monitoring Operations database. Data on fine particulate matter and ozone were available from a centrally located monitor in Corpus Christi, Tex., located upwind of the local industrial facilities. The majority of stroke/TIA cases were also located upwind of local chemical plants and refineries.
University of Michigan
Air Pollution News and Current Air Pollution Events RSSGlobal survey highlights need for cancer prevention campaigns to correct misbeliefs
Many people hold mistaken beliefs about what causes cancer, tending to inflate the threat from environmental factors that have relatively little impact while minimizing the hazards of behaviours well established as cancer risk factors, according to the first global survey on the topic.
Many U.S. Public Schools in 'Air Pollution Danger Zone'
One in three U.S. public schools are in the "air pollution danger zone," according to new research from the University of Cincinnati (UC).
Newly detected air pollutant mimics damaging effects of cigarette smoke
A previously unrecognized group of air pollutants could have effects remarkably similar to harmful substances found in tobacco smoke, Louisiana scientists are reporting in a study scheduled for presentation today at the 236th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.
Air pollution damages more than lungs: Heart and blood vessels suffer too
As athletes from around the world compete in the Beijing Olympics, many are on alert for respiratory problems caused by air pollution. They should also be concerned about its toxic effects on the heart and cardiovascular system, mounting research shows.
Scientists to Assess Beijing Olympics Air Pollution Control Efforts
As the Summer Olympics in Beijing kicks off this week, the event is giving scientists a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe how the atmosphere responds when a heavily populated region substantially curbs everyday industrial emissions.
The emerging scientific discipline of aeroecology
In the history of science and technology, there is an infrequent combination of empirical discoveries, theories and technology developments converge that make it possible to recognize a new discipline.
Air Quality Forecasts for China
With less than a month remaining before the Beijing Olympics, Chinese officials have introduced a series of measures to improve air quality for the Games. A new tool has been installed in the capital city to allow the Chinese to monitor the effectiveness of these efforts.
Beijing pollution may trigger heart attacks, strokes
Olympic athletes aren't the only ones who need to be concerned about the heavily polluted air in Beijing. The dirty air may trigger serious cardiovascular problems for some spectators.
Aerosol toxins from red tides may cause long-term health threat
NOAA scientists reported in the current issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives that an algal toxin commonly inhaled in sea spray, attacks and damages DNA in the lungs of laboratory rats.
Special topics in environmental mechanics
With rapid development of economics since the 1980s, people have been increasingly realized that the environment plays an important role in the sustainable development of society and economy.
More Air Pollution News Articles
 | Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living by Annie Berthold-Bond These days, more and more people are saying no to "better living through chemistry" and yes to a lifestyle that is less toxic and more environmentally friendly. This trend toward a more natural lifestyle has become something of a crusade for Annie Berthold-Bond, author of Better Basics for the Home. After developing hypersensitivity to even very low concentrations of chemicals, Berthold-Bond was... |
 | How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office by B. C. Wolverton |
 | Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet by Norma Lehmeier-Hartie Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet, by Norma Lehmeier Hartie, is an indispensable reference book for anyone who cares about their health and well being and for the future of the planet. Hartie concisely covers a wide range of subjects and includes a comprehensive listing of advisory organizations, product and service resources. Part I of... |
 | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change by John H. Seinfeld, Spyros N. Pandis Thoroughly restructured and updated with new findings and new features The Second Edition of this internationally acclaimed text presents the latest developments in atmospheric science. It continues to be the premier text for both a rigorous and a complete treatment of the chemistry of the atmosphere, covering such pivotal topics as: * Chemistry of the stratosphere and troposphere *... |
 | Experimental Methods for Engineers (McGraw-Hill Mechanical Engineering) by Jack P. Holman This market leader offers the broadest range of experimental measurement techniques available for mechanical and general engineering applications. Offering clear descriptions of the general behavior of different measurement techniques, such as pressure, flow, and temperature, the text emphasizes the use of uncertainty analysis and statistical data analysis in estimating the accuracy of... |
 | Environmental Engineering Science by William W. Nazaroff, Lisa Alvarez-Cohen This book covers the fundamentals of environmental engineering and applications in water quality, air quality, and hazardous waste management. It begins by describing the fundamental principles that serve as the foundation of the entire field of environmental engineering. Readers are then systematically reintroduced to these fundamentals in a manner that is tailored to the needs of environmental... |
 | Home Safe Home by Debra Lynn Dadd Fascinating, affordable, helpful tips on how to keep your home safe from toxics by an expert on home safety! Home Safe Home is the ultimate reference of its kind, written by the leading authority on eliminating toxics in the home. It offers more than four hundred tips, including do-it-yourself formulas for inexpensive, safe products to replace the harmful substances we are exposed to in our own... |
 | My House Is Killing Me!: The Home Guide for Families with Allergies and Asthma by Jeffrey C. May It's a world we barely see, but it is teeming with life. In the dust of a typical house, carpet beetles, mites, silverfish, and other creatures live and die, producing new generations every few months. Mold, bacteria, and yeast lurk undetected in heating and cooling systems. Debris dispersed into the air from these organisms can cause runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing, headaches, and breathing... |
 | Air Pollution Control (3rd Edition) by C. David Cooper, F. C. Alley Since the First Edition appeared, Air Pollution Control: A Design Approach has become the leading air pollution control text on the strengths of good writing, comprehensive coverage, an emphasis on design, and excellent real-world examples. The Third Edition continues this tradition of excellence, incorporating new and updated information throughout the text while retaining the topical... |
 | Air Quality, 4th Edition by Thad Godish Ozone-destroying chemicals, greenhouse gases, and dangerous airborne substances that were once thought to be benign are the most urgent issues facing air pollution control experts. Students need a thorough, updated reference that explores these current trends while also covering the fundamental concepts of this emerging discipline. A new revision of a bestseller, Air Quality, Fourth Edition... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |