For 22 years, pollution in the capital of São Paulo exceeded the limits recommended by the WHO, according to the Institute of Energy and Environment (IEMA). The consequences of contaminated air for the health of the population are diverse, and one of them has just been discovered by research conducted by the University of São Paulo (USP) with support from FAPESP.
The team carried out an analysis of 238 autopsies of city residents, along with interviews with victims’ families, and discovered a direct link between pollution and an increased risk of heart disease.
Pollution is affecting the hearts of São Paulo
- The research reveals that prolonged exposure to air pollution is directly linked to increased heart risks in the capital of São Paulo.
- Cardiac fibrosis, an indicator of heart disease, appears to be associated with the length of exposure to black carbon particles present in polluted air.
- According to the analysis, the greater the exposure, the greater the likelihood of developing cardiac fibrosis.
- The risk is even higher for hypertensive individuals, regardless of whether they are smokers or not. Among non-hypertensive individuals, smokers presented the highest risks.
- Cardiac fibrosis can be triggered by different factors, such as hypertension itself. Pollution can now be considered one of them.
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The dose of pollutant is different for each person
The level of pollution in the city of São Paulo may be the same, but it impacts the population differently depending on their habits. For example, if you spend hours stuck in traffic, you are more exposed to airborne contaminants than someone who spends more time indoors. Therefore, you also have a greater risk of developing health problems.
In the study, researchers draw attention to the need to reduce the population’s chances of developing heart complications due to pollution. They list reducing vehicle emissions, encouraging sustainable public transport in the city and adopting clean energy sources as fundamental strategies to ensure cleaner air and take care of public health.
The research was published in the journal Environmental Research.
