from American Thoracic Society
Previous studies have separately shown air
pollution and noise pollution may increase
risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
But German researchers looked at both
types of pollution at the same time and
found each type of pollution was
independently associated with
atherosclerosis or hardening of the
arteries. They took into consideration
other factors, such as age, gender,
education, smoking status, physical
activity and alcohol use. Researchers
reported their findings to the American
Thoracic Society annual meeting. The
significance of the study was noted by Dr.
Philip Harber, professor of public health at
the University of Arizona. He says we now
know that people who live near highways,
for instance, are being harmed by longterm
exposure to air pollution and by longterm
exposure to noise pollution rather
than focusing on just one of the hazards.