particulates

Climate change is making air quality worse in many parts of the world. Rising temperatures increase ground-level ozone, and more frequent wildfires release harmful smoke and particulates into the air. These changes, combined with ongoing pollution from sources like vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, lead to longer and more intense episodes of unhealthy air.

A new study led by researchers from the University of Toronto in Canada examined more than 600 people and found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with early signs of heart damage. The research, which was recently published in the journal Radiology, indicates that fine particulate matter in the air may contribute to diffuse myocardial fibrosis, a form of scarring in the heart muscle that can precede heart failure.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.

Long-term exposure to common air pollutants is also linked to a significantly higher risk of dementia. A separate study by researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK analyzed data from nearly 30 million people and found that for every 10 micrograms of fine particulate matter per cubic meter of air, the risk of dementia increases by 17%. The study, which was recently published in The Lancet Planetary Health, found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide and soot was also strongly associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Dementia is estimated to affect more than 57 million people worldwide, a number that is expected to swell to 152 million by 2050.

Strengthening efforts to reduce air pollution could make a real difference for the environment and human health.

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Even low levels of air pollution may quietly scar your heart, MRI study finds

Is the air you breathe silently fueling dementia? A 29-million-person study says yes

Photo, posted February 25, 2017, courtesy of CCO Bay via Flickr.

Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio

According to a new study published by Stanford University, the average number of people in the U.S. exposed to unhealthy levels of airborne particulates at least one day a year has increased 27-fold over the last decade as a result of wildfires.

Millions of Americans are now routinely exposed to plumes of wildfire smoke that sometimes travel thousands of miles across the country. Accumulations of deeply unhealthy air have emerged mainly in the West, where increasingly intense wildfires have become all too common. Six of the seven largest wildfires in California recorded history have occurred since 2020.

Wildfire smoke has resulted in school closures, flight postponements, and even cancelled concerts. Overall, the regression in air quality has undone much of the clean air progress that has taken place since the advent of the Clean Air Act in 1970.

Wildfire smoke has added about 5 micrograms of PM 2.5 particles per cubic meter of air on average in many places in the West. This is a substantial increase from national levels, which are a total of about 10 micrograms per cubic meter and mostly result from emissions from cars, trucks, and power plants.

A decade ago, fewer than 500,000 Americans were exposed to any days of an air quality index of 100 or more due to smoke, which is a level that is deemed unhealthy. In 2020, 25 million Americans were in areas with such levels at least one day during the year.

Ordinarily, if people don’t live near a highway or power plant, their air quality is likely to be pretty good. But incursion from wildfire smoke is changing that, and the trend is likely to increase.

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Number of Americans Exposed to Harmful Wildfire Smoke Has Increased 27-Fold

Photo, posted August 19, 2013, courtesy of Mike Lewelling / National Park Service via Flickr.

Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio

Air pollution and human health

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Wildfire Smoke And Air Quality | Earth Wise

According to a new study published by Stanford University, the average number of people in the U.S. exposed to unhealthy levels of airborne particulates at least one day a year has increased 27-fold over the last decade as a result of wildfires.

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