Air Pollution Can Increase Stroke Risk in 5 Days: Study

Short-term exposure to air pollution can drastically increase the risk of stroke, states a new study by researchers from University of Jordan in Amman. Short-term exposure to air pollution is defined as occurring within five days of the stroke.

The researchers found higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were linked to a 28 per cent increased risk of stroke. Carbon monoxide enhanced stroke risk by 26 per cent. Sulphur dioxide led to a 15 per cent increase in stroke risk. Higher ozone levels caused a 5 per cent increase in stroke risk.

Along with this higher concentration of PM1 was linked to a 9 per cent increased risk of stroke, with PM2.5 at 15 per cent and PM10 at 14 per cent.

Their findings, published in the journal Neurology, is based on a review of more than 18 million cases of stroke.

The team also found that higher levels of air pollution were linked to higher risk of death from stroke.

Higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were linked to a 33 per cent increased risk of death from stroke, sulphur dioxide, a 60 per cent increase, PM2.5, a 9 per cent increase and PM10, a 2 per cent increase.