In the past it was thought that children and elderly people were at greatest risk for heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
But a new study suggests that even healthy people in their twenties are being harmed by particles found in air pollution.
In the new study, a group of 72 people with an average age of 23, from the city of Provo in Utah, provided blood samples during the winters of 2013, 2014 and 2015. When air pollution rose, the scientists found that the number of fragments of dead cells in their bloodstream increased.
One researcher said there appeared to be a significant effect on the health of young adults. “ These findings suggest that living in a polluted environment could promote the development of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke more pervasively and at an earlier stage than previously thought.”
“Although we have known for some time that air pollution can trigger heart attacks or strokes in susceptible, high-risk individuals, the finding that it could also affect even seemingly healthy individuals suggests that increased levels of air pollution are of concern to all of us, not just the sick or the elderly.”
INDEPENDENT: Air pollution damages arteries of even healthy young adults, new study shows
My friend was heartbroken when her wonderful, kind, generous brother died prematurely of heart disease. His office was close to the run ways of the Los Angeles air port. Are these two facts related?
Very much could be.