from American Heart Association journal, Circulation
When it comes to air pollution risks, those with compromised immune systems would seem most vulnerable. However, new research in the American Heart Association journal Circulation says exposure to high levels of air pollution also increased stress hormone levels in otherwise healthy young adults. The study was conducted in China where air pollution is a known problem. Researchers focused on the type of pollution emitted from vehicles, factories, power plants and cigarette smoking, because this major air pollutant may be linked to cardiovascular problems. Researchers also used a method to measure chemical processes by which cells produce the energy needed to sustain life. The good news from the study is that air purifiers may lessen the impact of air pollution.