Tiny air pollutants have been linked to a 7.3 percent increase in premature deaths for people living in large cities.
Researchers led by McGill University found these airborne particles were the likely cause of more than 1000 deaths in Canada’s two largest cities.
The ultrafine particles mostly come from vehicle emissions and industrial activities.
Principal Investigator Scott Weichenthal said these particles often slipped through pollution regulations.
“Ultrafine particles are incredibly small, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Increasing evidence suggests these pollutants may contribute to heart and lung diseases, as well as certain forms of cancer,” Dr Weichenthal said.
“Previous studies that did not take particle size into account might have missed or underestimated the serious health risks associated with them.”
The research team tracked air-pollution levels from 2001 to 2016 in neighbourhoods in Montreal and Toronto.
They estimated how many of the tiny particles were in the air at various times and used statistical methods to calculate the connection between exposure and the risk of death.
The findings, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, linked long-term exposure to the particles to a 7.3 percent increase in the risk of non-accidental death.
“Respiratory deaths saw the highest increase, at 17.4 percent, followed by a 9.4 percent rise in deaths from coronary artery disease,” the study report said.
“Our research shows a clear link between long-term UFP exposures and increased mortality risk, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory actions targeting these particles.
“As urban areas continue to grow, addressing air pollution is increasingly crucial for the health and well-being of city dwellers.”
