Diesel heart warning

Thursday July 14th, 2011

New findings show how pollution from road vehicles can trigger heart attacks.

Researchers in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, say it is tiny particles in diesel fumes that pose the greatest risk to heart health.

The findings come from a study of healthy volunteers conducted at Edinburgh University and reported in the European Heart Journal.

They will lead to pressure for new filters to be fitted to diesel vehicles, such as buses, to remove the "nanoparticles".

The researchers say the particles are less than a thousandth of a millimetre wide. The research showed they were more harmful than the cases carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, restricting the function of blood vessels in the body.

The researchers said the particles produced highly reactive molecules, known as free radicals.

Researcher Dr Mark Miller said: "While many people tend to think of the effects of air pollution in terms of damage to the lungs, there is strong evidence that it has an impact on the heart and blood vessels as well.

"Our research shows that while both gases and particles can affect our blood pressure, it is actually the miniscule chemical particles that are emitted by car exhausts that are really harmful.

"We are now investigating which of the chemicals carried by these particles cause these harmful actions, so that in the future we can try and remove these chemicals, and prevent the health effects of vehicle emissions"

The British Heart Foundation said it was backing the research, which could lead to new technologies to limit the harm caused by diesel.

Professor Jeremy Pearson, of the Foundation, said: "Their findings suggest that lives could be saved by cutting these harmful nanoparticles out of exhaust - perhaps by taking them out of the fuel, or making manufacturers add gadgets to their vehicles that can trap particles before they escape. The best approach isn't clear yet.

"For now our advice remains the same - people with heart disease should avoid spending long periods outside in areas where traffic pollution is likely to be high, such as on or near busy roads."

Combustion-derived nanoparticulate induces the adverse vascular effects of diesel exhaust inhalation. European Heart Journal July 14 2011 doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehr195

Tags: Heart Health | Traveller Health | UK News

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