title: Understanding Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Diseases: Is It Preventable?
abstract: Fine particulate matter (<2.5 µm, PM2.5) air pollution is a leading risk factor for morbidity and mortality worldwide. The largest portion of adverse health effects is from cardiovascular diseases. In North America, PM2.5concentrations have shown a steady decline over the past several decades; however, the opposite trend has occurred throughout much of the developing world whereby daily concentrations commonly reach extraordinarily high levels. While air quality regulations can reduce air pollution at a societal level, what individuals can do to reduce their personal exposures remains an active field of investigation. Here, we review the emerging evidence that several interventions (e.g., air filters) and/or behavioral changes can lower PM pollution exposure and as such, may be capable of mitigating the ensuing adverse cardiovascular health consequences. Air pollution remains a worldwide epidemic and a multi-tiered prevention strategy is required in order to optimally protect global public health.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Masako
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morishita
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Kathryn C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Robert D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Brook
keywords: Air pollution; Cardiovascular disease risks; Interventions