Yes, traffic pollution can raise blood pressure. A study from the University of Washington found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution can cause a significant increase in blood pressure.
This increase can last up to 24 hours. The spike is comparable to the effect of a high-sodium diet and can contribute to cardiovascular problems.
Traffic-related air pollution includes:
- Carbon dioxide
- Particulate matter from brakes and tires
Other environmental factors that can impact hypertension include:
Sunlight, Altitude, Temperature, Noise pollution, Lifestyle, Socioeconomic status, Diet, Daily stress.
A new study out of the University of Washington found that pollution from tailpipe exhaust, brake and tire wear, and road dust can raise your blood pressure while you’re sitting in the car.
Researchers drove healthy participants in rush-hour Seattle traffic and found that breathing unfiltered air caused a bump in blood pressure by more than 4.5 mm Hg compared to driving around in a car equipped with a HEPA filter. The effects on blood pressure lasted up to 24 hours.
Long-term exposure to traffic-related pollution has also been linked to heart disease, asthma, lung cancer, and an increased risk of death.
