A latest study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has confirmed our fears that long term exposure to air pollution does indeed lead to a significant deterioration in health and can cause various cardiovascular and respiratory problems along with diabetes. While the study might not seem like it is offering any significant new insight, it is the first long-term observation program that has studied the effect of long term exposure to air particulates. While all previous studies have been done over a short-term scale, this one provides actual data over a large period of time.
The researchers monitored and noted down the PM2.5 concentrations in the air in various areas and categorized them according to zip codes. PM2.5 is used to categorize particulate matter that is of diameter of 2.5 microns or less and these pollutants significantly affect human health by accumulating in the lungs over a long period of team. The research team observed that for every 10-µg/m3 increase in the Pm2.5 exposure there was a 3.12 percent increase in cardiovascular disease admissions,a 4.22 percent increase in respiratory admissions, a 6.33 percent increase in diabetes admissions and a 3.49 percent increase in stroke admissions in hospitals in the associated area.
All the stats had been checked and corrected for various statistical errors and it still shows that over a period of time greater exposure to polluted air, even if the amounts vary ever so slightly, can cause serious health problems. By quantifying the effects and showing actual data, the research would prove to be a very useful tool for pollution control groups to bring in new and improved emission guidelines and set them in a sensible fashion.
Via: HSPH
