Journal Article Review Epublish 8 citations
PubMed: 35885697 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071170
Air Pollution and Its Devastating Effects on the Central Nervous System.
Healthcare (Basel) 10(7)
Authors: Carmen Adella Sîrbu, Ion Stefan, Rodica Dumitru, Marian Mitrica, Aida Mihaela Manole, Titus Mihai Vasile, Constantin Stefani, Aurelian Emil Ranetti
Affiliations
- Department of Neurology, 'Dr. Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 'Dr. Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania.
- Department of Medico-Surgical and Prophylactic Disciplines, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania.
- Clinical Neurosciences Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Ambulatory, 'Dr. Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania.
- Department of Family Medicine and Clinical Base, 'Dr. Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania.
- Department No. 5, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania.
- Department No. 2, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract
Air pollution is a real public health problem, it being one of the five most common causes of mortality in developing countries. However, pollution studies have focused on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems in recent decades. Recently, researchers have moved towards a new direction, tracing a direct link between pollution and stroke. Stroke has many known risk factors such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and hypertension. Pollution is universally widespread, already a matter of public interest, so that, although intuitive, it is difficult to connect the two. The particles found in the air that we breathe, regardless of their origin, can attack the body in different ways, causing inflammation, and triggering a true cascade of phenomena that end up attacking the central nervous system and other organs. This article tries to explain the series of phenomena that determine the harmful effect of particles present in the air, with an increased focus on the central nervous system and especially on strokes. A deeper understanding of these phenomena helps in guiding future studies and finding viable solutions to protect people at risk.
MeSH
Stroke, Central Nervous System, Risk, Atrial Fibrillation, Sedentary Behavior, Air Pollution, Environmental Pollution, Atherosclerosis