New data says long-term exposure to ultrafine particles in the air of two of Canada’s largest cities causes 1,100 deaths a year.
A collaboration of McGill University, the University of Toronto, Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, Health Canada, and Statistics Canada, the study was funded by the U.S. Health Effects Institute.
UFP come from vehicle emissions and industrial activities, and there are no concentration limits for them, researchers noted.
“Ultrafine particles are incredibly small, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream,“ said principal investigator Scott Weichenthal. ”Increasing evidence suggests these pollutants may contribute to heart and lung diseases, as well as certain forms of cancer.”
Until now, studies have not examined the effect of UFPs on mortality in Canada, he said.
The study says long-term exposure to UFPs is associated with a 7.3 percent increase in non-accidental death. The highest increase was in respiratory deaths, with a 17.4 percent increase, followed by coronary artery disease, at 9.4 percent, according to researchers.
Researchers estimated how many of the particles were in the air at various times using statistical methods to calculate the connection between exposure and risk of death.
They also looked at the impact of the size of particles, something they said could be a further risk to human health.
Previous studies may have underestimated or missed important health risks from UFP, the researchers said.
“Our research shows a clear link between long-term UFP exposures and increased mortality risk, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory actions targeting these particles,” Weichenthal said.
He said air pollution is a crucial part of the health and well-being of those in urban areas.
The study is considered the first of its kind and was led by researchers from McGill.
