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Following a fire that closed Interstate 10 in Los Angeles, California, on November 14, 2023, cars on Interstate 5 are seen in heavy traffic.
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Pollution
Similar to a high-sodium diet: study reveals traffic pollution can lead to increased blood pressure
Research indicates that the spike in blood pressure can persist for up to 24 hours and may contribute to cardiovascular issues
Aliya Uteuova
Wed 29 Nov 2023 20.47 GMT
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Being stuck in traffic is a common source of stress for millions of Americans on a daily basis. The congestion can result in wasted fuel, environmental pollution, and, as recent research suggests, even elevated blood pressure.
According to a study conducted by the University of Washington, air pollution from traffic can cause a significant increase in blood pressure that can last for up to 24 hours. This spike is comparable to the impact of a high-sodium diet and can contribute to cardiovascular problems. Prolonged exposure to vehicle emissions has been widely associated with respiratory issues, particularly asthma in children.
"Traffic-related air pollution raises blood pressure within an hour of being in traffic, and it remains elevated for a day," stated Joel Kaufman, the author of the study and a physician and professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington.
Sixteen healthy individuals aged between 22 and 45 participated in the study as passengers during rush hour drives in Seattle. They underwent three separate drives, with two of them being "unfiltered," meaning that the air from the road was allowed to enter the car, as is the case for many drivers today. During the third drive, a Hepa (high efficiency particulate absorbing) filter was installed in the car, and the participants were unaware of which drive had the filtration. The researchers measured the passengers' blood pressure before, .