The impact of particulate matter and sulphur dioxide on blood pressure - current knowledge

The results of environmental epidemiological studies give strong evidence that air pollution of particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, and sulphur dioxide (SO2) increases the cardiovascular risk, influences cardiac-emergency hospital admission rate and increases cardiovascular mortality, especially in subjects aged over 65. It is believed to be caused by atherosclerosis and blood pressure elevation in relation to environmental exposure. The aim of the study was to assess current knowledge in the light of recenty published data, with regard to the impact of air pollution with particulate matter and sulphur dioxide on blood pressure in exposed population. The results of experimental studies in animals revealed direct impact of PM10, PM2.5 and SO2 on blood pressure elevation. Those results were confirmed also in humans. It is suggested that increase in PM and SO2 concentrations triggers systemic inflammatory response and oxidative stress with increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, C-reactive protein concentration and leukocytosis. Moreover, altered autonomic function and unstable vasomotor reactions, including acute vasoconstriction, were also observed. The elderly (subjects aged 65+), diabetics, children and subjects with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases, including asthma, are to be the most susceptible population. Recently published literature data suggests that even a slight exposure to PM and/or SO2 concentrations may result in blood pressure elevation. The improvement in health status, with regard to cardiovascular condition, will be possible when reduction in air pollution and both toxicology and environmental epidemiology studies are consecutively implemented and continued.