LONG-TERM exposure to air pollution has been linked to a rise in the number of people suffering from high blood pressure, according to new research.
The shocking findings were revealed in the largest study ever undertaken into the effects of both air pollution and traffic noise by following over 41,000 people in five different countries for five to nine years.
The study, published yesterday found that among adults, up to one extra person per 100 people of the same age group living in the most polluted areas of cities would develop high blood pressure, or hypertension as it is otherwise known, compared to those living in the less polluted areas.
The risk is similar to the effect of being overweight with a body mass index (BMI) between 25-30 compared to people with normal weight (BMI 18.5-25). High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for premature illness and death.
James Cant, British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland director, said: “Air pollution, particularly from small particles in diesel fumes, is known to increase a person’s risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in people with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms are not fully understood.
“This large study shows that people who are exposed to higher levels of vehicle-derived pollution are slightly more likely to have high blood pressure, a known factor in heart disease.
“Scotland leads the way in research into the damaging effects of air pollution on health, much of it funded by the BHF at our Centre of Research Excellence in Edinburgh. But more research is urgently needed to better explain the link between air pollution and heart disease.
“This is a complex subject, which presents many challenges to modern lifestyles. We are currently in discussions with the Scottish Government on this issue and are very encouraged by their approach, particularly their commitment to start the introduction of low emission zones in Scotland by 2018 to tackle pollution from vehicles.”
European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects” (ESCAPE) project examining the effects of exposure to air pollution on human health in Europe on over 40,000 people from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Spain and found that although none had hypertension when they joined the study, during the follow-up period 6,207 people (15 per cent) reported that they developed the condition or started to take blood pressure-lowering medications.
Between 2008 and 2011, the researchers measured air pollution during three separate two-week periods using filters to capture information on concentrations of polluting particles, known as particulate matter (PM), of different sizes. These measurements were taken at 20 sites in each of the areas and measurements of nitrogen oxides were measured at 40 different sites in each area. Traffic density was assessed outside the homes of the participants and traffic noise was modelled according to the EU Directive on environmental noise.
The researchers found that for every five micrograms per cubic metre (5 µg/m3) of PM2.5, the risk of hypertension increased by a fifth (22 per cent) in people living in the most polluted areas compared to those in the least polluted areas. Higher soot concentrations also increased the risk.
For exposure to chronic traffic noise, the researchers found that people living in noisy streets, where there were average night time noise levels of 50 decibels, had a six per cent increased risk of developing hypertension compared to those living on quieter streets where average noise levels were 40 decibels during the night.
Fundraisers to wear pink kilts to raise money for breast cancer charity
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here