Air pollution can contribute to several diseases, including asthma, lung disease and cancer. A new study from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, published in Blood, shows a link between air pollution and potentially life-threatening blood clotting diseases.
Venous thromboembolism encompasses deep vein thrombosis, where blood clots occur deep in a vein, and pulmonary embolism, where blood clots travel to the lungs. These diseases affect about one in a million people in the U.S. annually and are the third most common vascular diagnosis after heart attack and stroke.
The research team tracked more than 6,600 participants from six communities in the U.S. over 17 years and assessed long-term exposure to four common air pollutants: fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ozone. They found:
- Exposure to fine particulate matter, which occurs after burning events, such as forest fires, increased risk of blood clot diseases by 43%.
- Individuals exposed to nitrogen dioxide were 2.8 times more likely to experience a blood clot disease.
- Nitrogen oxides exposure was associated with a 2.3 times greater risk of developing a blood clot disease.
- Ozone was not significantly associated with an increased risk of a blood clot disease.
- The associations between air pollution and greater risk of blood clot diseases were consistent across people who smoked or had pre-existing respiratory diseases.
"What's striking from our study is the increase in serious blood clotting disease with exposure to some of the most common types of pollutants in the air we breathe," said Pamela Lutsey, a professor in the School of Public Health and lead author. "It's clear that air pollution's health effects extend beyond respiratory diseases and impact blood clot risks even in otherwise healthy individuals without prior respiratory issues."
The researchers recommend implementing stricter air quality regulations that target fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides to mitigate health risks.
Funding was provided by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; and the Environmental Protection Agency.
About the School of Public Health
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health improves the health and well-being of populations and communities around the world by bringing innovative research, learning, and concrete actions to today's biggest health challenges. We prepare some of the most influential leaders in the field, and partner with health departments, communities, and policymakers to advance health equity for all. Learn more at sph.umn.edu.
