Smog causes surge in heart deaths: Study
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A man wears a mask on Tiananmen Square in thick haze in Beijing.Exposure to higher levels of fine particulates - the airborne pollution that is an emerging problem in many Asian cities - causes a sharp rise in deaths from heart attacks, a study published on Wednesday said. -- FILE PHOTO: AP
PARIS (AFP) - Exposure to higher levels of fine particulates - the airborne pollution that is an emerging problem in many Asian cities - causes a sharp rise in deaths from heart attacks, a study published on Wednesday said.
Research published in the European Heart Journal pointed the finger at so-called PM2.5 pollution, which comprises tiny particles measuring 2.5 micrometres across or less.
They are mainly generated by burning coal and oil for power stations, and petrol and diesel for transport.
Around 30 times smaller than a human hair, PM2.5 particles have long been identified as a respiratory problem, as their size enables them to lodge deep in the lungs. Less understood, though, is their impact on cardiac health.
