Photo: Diesel exhaust particles inside artery, Source: Dr. Mark R. Miller www.cvs.ed.ac.uk

Dozens of studies have found that living near highways is hazardous to your health,  and linked that risk to particulate matter.

A new study finds that living within 1500 feet of a major highway raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and death, and attributes the risk to ultrafine particulate matter.

“Most of the mortality, most of the economic impact (is) coming from cardiovascular disease,” he told Tufts Medicine in 2012. “It’s not primarily asthma or lung cancer.”

“The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that they cause 80,000 or 100,000 deaths a year in the United States, and maybe four million or more worldwide,” he added.

To learn more about the study, check out:

New evidence of the dangers of living near highways, Boston Globe

Living Near A Highway Is Terrible For Your Health. 1 In 10 Americans Do It, ThinkProgress