Air Pollution exposure of just 5 days linked to increased Stroke Risk, study finds

A recent meta-analysis published in Neurology, suggests that short-term exposure to air pollution may be associated with a higher risk of stroke. Short-term exposure was defined as occurring within five days before the stroke.

While previous research had established a connection between long-term air pollution exposure and an elevated risk of stroke, this study aimed to explore the potential link with shorter exposure periods.

The meta-analysis involved a review of 110 studies, encompassing more than 18 million stroke cases. Researchers assessed various air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and different sizes of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10).

The findings revealed that individuals exposed to higher concentrations of air pollution faced an increased risk of stroke. Specifically, higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were associated with a 28% higher risk, ozone with a 5% increase, carbon monoxide with a 26% increase, sulfur dioxide with a 15% increase, PM1 with a 9% increase, PM2.5 with a 15% increase, and PM10 with a 14% increase in stroke risk.

Moreover, higher levels of air pollution were also correlated with a greater risk of stroke-related death. Higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were linked to a 33% increased risk of stroke-related mortality, sulfur dioxide to a 60% increase, PM2.5 to a 9% increase, and PM10 to a 2% increase.

Reference: American Academy of Neurology

Journal: Neurology