Air Pollution Now a Major Risk Factor for Brain Strokes

In September 2024, a global study has found that air pollution poses the same risk as smoking in causing subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), a type of brain stroke caused by ruptured blood vessels between the brain and its coverings.

Key Points

Air Pollution's Link to Brain Strokes: A study published in The Lancet Neurology Journal reveals that in 2021, 14% of deaths and disabilities from subarachnoid haemorrhage could be attributed to particulate matter air pollution, equating to the risks posed by smoking.
Impact of Particulate Matter on Health: Pollutants like PM 2.5 damage arterial cells, increasing the chances of blood vessel ruptures.
Air Pollution and Smoking: Both smoking and air pollution release harmful by-products of incomplete combustion, which cause inflammation in the body, leading to conditions like strokes.
Mechanism of Stroke Risk: Toxic gases and particulate matter from pollution clog the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
They damage blood vessels, leading to clots, ruptures, and increased stroke risks, especially among the elderly or those with heart disease, diabetes, or smokers.
Size of Pollutants and Their Danger: Micron particles, such as PM 2.5, are 30 times thinner than a human hair.
These tiny particles directly or indirectly damage arterial cells, contributing to the risk of haemorrhage.