A study from the University of Washington revealed that exposure to traffic air pollution can lead to a significant increase in blood pressure, comparable to the effects of a high-sodium diet. This spike lasts for up to 24 hours and is linked to cardiovascular problems. Long-term exposure to vehicle exhaust has been associated with respiratory issues, particularly in children, and can have lasting health effects.
Author Joel Kaufman, a physician and professor at the University of Washington, highlighted the immediate and sustained impact of traffic air pollution on blood pressure. The study involved 16 participants who underwent drives through rush hour traffic in Seattle, with and without a high efficiency particulate absorbing (Hepa) filter installed in the car. Their blood pressure was measured before, during, and after the drives.
Results showed that breathing unfiltered air led to significant increases in blood pressure, with the smallest particles likely responsible for this difference. Additionally, people of color in the US are more likely to live near highways due to historical practices of disinvestment, perpetuating traffic-related air pollution and its impact on health.
To address these issues, societal solutions such as improving traffic and reducing driving with fossil fuel vehicles are crucial, as well as individual actions like spending less time in traffic, using car filters, and closing windows when in heavy traffic areas.
Recent findings from the University of Washington demonstrate that exposure to traffic air pollution can lead to a rise in blood pressure, comparable to the effects of a high-sodium diet. Long-term exposure to vehicle exhaust has been linked with respiratory issues, particularly in children. The study involved 16 participants who underwent drives through rush hour traffic in Seattle, with and without a high efficiency particulate absorbing (Hepa) filter installed in the car. Breathing unfiltered air led to significant increases in blood pressure, with the smallest particles likely responsible for this difference. Additional research highlighted the impact of historical practices of disinvestment in perpetuating traffic-related air pollution and its effects on health, particularly for people of color. societal solutions such as improving traffic and reducing driving with fossil fuel vehicles are crucial, as well as individual actions like spending less time in traffic, using car filters, and closing windows when in heavy traffic areas.
6 Comments
Eugene Alta
This study is just fear-mongering. People have been living near highways for years and haven't had these health problems.
BuggaBoom
I appreciate the individual actions recommended in the study to minimize exposure to traffic air pollution. It's something we all can do to protect our health.
Katchuka
This study emphasizes the need for cities to invest in improving traffic and reducing fossil fuel vehicles. It's a crucial step for public health.
Coccinella
Breathing in traffic air pollution is a serious health concern, and this study underscores the need for urgent action to address it.
ZmeeLove
I support the idea of using car filters and spending less time in traffic to minimize the impact of traffic air pollution on our health.
FreeGuy
I don't believe that traffic air pollution has such a significant impact on blood pressure. This study seems exaggerated.