Breathing in rush-hour traffic air has been found to cause a significant increase in blood pressure, according to a study conducted by the University of Washington. The research, led by Dr. Joel Kaufman, a professor at UW, discovered that exposure to air pollution from traffic can lead to a rapid spike in blood pressure, lasting for up to 24 hours.
The study aimed to bring attention to specific health risks associated with commuting on busy roads, which was previously overlooked in discussions on air pollution. Participants of the study were driven through rush-hour traffic in Seattle with their blood pressure closely monitored, showing that exposure to unfiltered air resulted in an increase in their blood pressure during the journey and lasting for up to 24 hours.
Kaufman emphasized the complex regulatory systems in the human body that maintain consistent blood pressure in the brain and noted that traffic-related air pollution seems to interfere with these systems, causing the observed spike in blood pressure. Furthermore, the increase in blood pressure observed was comparable to the effect of a high-sodium diet.
The study’s findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal, have prompted more examination into the role of air pollution in cardiovascular health. The results underscore the potential health risks faced by individuals commuting on busy roads and the need for further regulation and understanding of pollutants from rush-hour traffic.
