Monday, October 29, 2012

Short Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Minor Strokes

Short-term effects of ambient particulates and gaseous pollutants on the incidence of transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke: a case- crossover study(20 page pdf, Getahun Bero Bedada, Craig J Smith, Pippa J Tyrrell, Adrian A Hirst and Raymond Agius, Environmental Health, Oct. 15, 2012)English: Comparison of the amount of air pollu...
Comparison of the amount of air pollutants produced by the three alternatives. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 The research reviewed today is a first look at the relationship between short term exposure to six -common pollutants and the occurrence of minor strokes in the Manchester-Liverpool area of the UK. A marginal association was found with Nitrogen Oxide(NO) , produced by combustion from vehicles and a precursor for NO2, but not from the others. More research was recommended with larger samples to confirm this finding.  

Key Quotes:

 “The primary objective of the study is to investigate the effects on the onset of TIA [transient ischaemic attack] and minor stroke of short-term exposure to PM10 and the following gases: NO, NO2, CO, SO2 and ozone.. the first study to have specifically investigated the effect of ambient air pollutants on the occurrence of TIA and minor stroke”

 “The analysis was based on 709 patients with TIA or minor stroke, ... The participants were mostly elderly patients with an age range of 27-93 years ..About 62% of the participants were above the age of 65….The majority of the participants (99%) were white and they were predominantly male. One third were current smokers”

 “Measured pollutants have had more pronounced effects in those above 65 years old, in male and in cold months than in participants below 65 years, female and warmer months respectively”

 “This study has shown a modest positive association between ambient NO and the occurrence of TIA and minor stroke, in Manchester, which was modified by age, gender and season”
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