2023-09-27 22:00:16
Nothing can be left for tomorrow if air pollution is to be stopped. The evidence is accumulating and, now, a new study shows that short term exposure of people to gaseous and particulate air pollutants is strongly associated with mortality ischemic strokethe name given to the consequences of the blockage of a cerebral artery.
According to this scientific work, which has reviewed more than 18 million cases, recent exposure – in the previous five days – to air pollutants increases the risk of suffering a stroke.
This means that the risk of stroke is already It is not only linked to chronic diseases or developed over weeks or months, as demonstrated by this meta-analysis from the University of Jordan in Amman, which examines data from a hundred previous observational investigations.
These 110 investigations already published had analyzed what happened with patients in Asia (58.8% of studies), Europa (24,6 %) y America (16.7%), focusing on the last five days before the vascular accident.
Reducing air pollution will reduce the weight of this pathology that kills about five million people each year, according to the authors.
So narrow is the temporary association found and the sample is so significant that those responsible for the work emphasize the urgency to launch global initiatives to develop policies aimed at reduce air pollution and, therefore, the risk of ischemic stroke.
Reduce the load of pollutants in the air, they say in the presentation of the article that is published today in Neurologywill reduce the weight of this illness that ends the lives of some five million people every year and which has important effects on the well-being and even causes functional deterioration of the patient.
In statements to SINC, the main author, Ahmad Toubasifrom the University of Jordan, warns: “The majority of the studies included in our analysis were conducted in high income countrieswhile available data from low- and middle-income countries were limited.”
In particular, he notes, “no work from Africa was included u middle Eastdespite the fact that these regions register high levels of air pollution and bear a significant burden of morbidity and mortality from stroke.”
In his opinion, “to address these gaps, global efforts should prioritize the development of health policies focused on the study of the impact of air pollution on health.” Human health in the low and middle income countries and aimed at reducing levels of air pollution.”
Particle composition and size
The researchers analyzed contaminants such as nitrogen dioxide, he ozone, he carbon monoxide and the sulfur dioxide. They also examined different particle sizesincluding PM1, which is air pollution less than 1 micron (μm) in diameter, as well as PM2.5 and PM10.
Smaller particles, such as those 2.5 microns, are associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke than larger particles, such as those 10 micrometers
Ahmad Toubasi, principal author
PM2.5 or smaller includes inhalable particles from exhaust pipes of the motor vehicles, the burning of fuels by power plants and other industries, as well as forest fires and pastures. PM10 includes dust from roads y construction works.
“It has been observed that the smallest particlessuch as those of 2.5 microns, are associated with a increased risk of stroke ischemic than larger particles, such as those measuring 10 micrometers,” explains the lead researcher.
Some substances are more harmful than others
Regarding the dangers that each chemical compound poses for the cerebrovascular pathologiesthe scientist clarifies that, indeed, “some are more harmful than others”, but that, in general terms, the risk “ranges between 5% due to the increase of one part per billion of ozone and 28% due to the increase of one part per billion of nitrogen dioxide.”
Toubasi admits that “still not known why some pollutants They are more harmful than others“, but that this is, without a doubt, “a field of research that should be explored in the future”.
Higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide had a 33% greater impact on the risk of death from stroke, and sulfur dioxide had a 60% greater impact
For now, what has been possible to calculate for this article regarding the risk of suffering a stroke is that “the highest concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were associated with an increase of 28%; ozone levels were associated with a 5% increase; carbon monoxide, with 26%, and sulfur dioxide, 15%.”
Different chemical compounds and different levels of air pollution were also linked to a highest incidence of mortality due to stroke. Higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide had a 33% greater impact on the risk of death from stroke and sulfur dioxidein 60% more. Regarding the size of harmful particles present in the air, those that are connected with the numbers of deaths from strokes are, according to the analysis, PM2.5 with 9%, and PM10, with 2%. .
Given these findings of the influence of air quality that put the scientific community on alert, Toubasi advises citizens to reduce their exposure to harmful substances, “avoiding sources of atmospheric pollution and using air filters inside of the homes”.
Furthermore, it concludes with a recommendation to the traffic officialsso that they are “stricter control of exhaust filters of cars” and “improve public transport services in their countries, to encourage the population to use them, instead of their private cars.”
Reference:
Toubasi, A. et al. “Short-term Exposure to Air Pollution and Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis”. Neurology (2023).
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