Air pollution and heart attack link confirmed

The case for stricter targets for the improvement of air quality within the EU has been strengthened by new research. A study has confirmed the link between air pollution and the risk of a cardiac event. 

Looking at long-term data, researchers have found that atmospheric pollutants serve to increase the chances of heart attack. Published in the 'British Medical Journal', the research looked at 100,000 people living in five different countries throughout Europe. It was found that air pollution, even at concentrations below current EU targets, caused some harm.

Although the study has identified evidence of health implications due to air pollution, experts have stated that risk to individuals is still reasonably small. 

It was found that with each five micrograms per cubic metre of fine particulate pollution measuring under 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) increase in yearly exposure, it created a 13 per cent rise in the number of heart attacks. PM2.5 pollution is thought to be the most damaging type as the particles are able to penetrate deep into the body. The results still stood after taking into account lifestyle factors that could also result in cardiac events.

The study also found that rises in particulate pollution measuring up to ten micrometres (PM10) also resulted in a rise in the likelihood of heart attack. Both increases in risk were present even when air pollution levels were measured at below current EU limits.

Currently the EU has set air pollution limits that recommend PM2.5 pollution to double the safe levels as described by the World Health Organisation. There have been a number of calls to lower EU limits in an attempt to improve air quality and reduce the impact on human health. It would seem that this study supports the case for lowering EU limits.

However, some experts in the field have argued that the study is not fully conclusive as it does not account for previous exposure to air pollution, which could, especially at high levels, cause long term damage to a person's health. Others have claimed that factors such as lifestyle and blood pressure put people at more risk of heart attack than air pollution.