A European study of 16,000 people found that air pollution impairs the function of blood vessels in the lungs, and that exercise could cause lung damage and heart failure. The lead scientist in the study, cardiologist Jean-Francois Argacha said: “Our main advice is to limit physical activities during heavy air pollution.”
Despite numerous studies showing strong links between air pollution and cardiovascular disease, this study is the first to demonstrate the effects of air pollution on pulmonary vascular function.
Our main advice is to limit physical activities during heavy air pollution.
For more information, check out the press release from the European Society of Cardiology, or the two other linked articles, provided for background.
Air pollution impairs function of blood vessels in lungs, European Society of Cardiology
For background
Air Pollution and Heart Disease, Stroke, American Heart Association
How Air Pollution Contributes to Heart Disease, Physicians for Social Responsibility