Those who’ve suffered strokes may be at higher risk
Traffic-related air pollution could contribute to a higher death rate among stroke survivors, according to a new study from the UK. Of 3,320 men and women who lived in south London and had a stroke between 1995 and 2005, there were more deaths among those exposed to higher estimated traffic-related air pollution over more than a decade, Reuters reports. A team led by Dr. Ravi Maheswaran at the University of Sheffield used 2002 estimates of two common traffic pollutants, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, linked to breaking problems and other health issues. The risk of dying increased by 28 per cent when nitrogen dioxide levels rose by just 10 micrograms per 3 square metres of air, and a similar increase in particulate matter increased death risk by 52 per cent.