Is the Air in Your Car Clean?

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A new study shows that dirty air inside cars may be especially hazardous to people with existing health problems. Spending a lot of time in your car may put your heart's health at risk. A new study shows that prolonged exposure to dirty air inside vehicles could trigger potentially dangerous changes in heart function. Prior studies have shown that exposure to fine airborne particulate matter is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in lder and cardiac patients. But now researchers say air pollution levels inside cars, which are generally lower than outside, may also increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with existing health problems by changing the way the heart functions. The study showed that exposure to in-car air pollution caused changes, such as increased markers of inflammation and increased blood clotting proteins, variations in heart rate, and other changes in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, in nine healthy cab drivers.