Anti-pollution masks can fight cardiovascular risks

Washington, March 17: Diesel engine exhaust may have grave effects on arterial flexibility and, hence, on cardiovascular health. However, anti-pollution masks can considerably reduce exposure to the particulate matter in the air, say Scottish researchers.

Researcher Nicholas Mills from the University of Edinburgh and his team studied the impact of diesel exhaust on cardiovascular health by involving some healthy participants in their research.

"Acute exposure to diesel exhaust is associated with an immediate and transient increase in arterial stiffness. This may, in part, explain the increased risk for cardiovascular disease associated with air pollution exposure," quoted Mills.

The team of researchers asked the 12 healthy and young non-smoking men to breathe air while cycling on exercising bikes. The air was categorized as filtered and diesel-smoke contaminated.

Findings suggested that volunteers who were exposed to smoke-filled air had problems using the bike. The blood vessels in their wrists were observed to have lost flexibility temporarily, thereby affecting their capacity to expand and contract.

The findings of this research are compiled in the BioMed Central's open access journal 'Particle and Fibre Toxicology'.

"Stiff arteries can result in raised blood pressure and reduced blood flow in the heart. Arterial stiffness plays an important role in hypertension and is an independent predictor of mortality," said Mills who feels that abnormal arteries can pose a serious cardiovascular risk.

With growing number of vehicles in swelling cities the world over, an anti-pollution mask worn over the nose and mouth can cut down the particulate matter suspended in the air while respiration.

Another piece of writing from the Particle and Fibre Toxicology journal explains that researchers agree that a mask can limit the exposure to airborne pollution particles. The mask can help reduce blood pressure and bring about a better heart rate control while exercising in cities with smog and pollution.

Edinburgh researcher Jeremy Langrish said: "We tested a range of facemasks that differed widely in their efficiency as particle filters. In general, those masks designed to reduce occupational exposure to dusts in the workplace were more efficient than those marketed to cyclists and pedestrians."

"This simple intervention has the potential to protect susceptible individuals and reduce cardiovascular events in cities with high concentrations of ambient air pollution," noted the study authors.