Improving air quality is no longer just an environmental policy
but a task to protect public health.
but a task to protect public health.
Did you think fine particulate matter was just a 'respiratory issue'?
Recent research shows that its impact goes beyond the lungs and reaches the heart.
Invisible Killer: Fine Particulate Matter
초미세먼지PM2.5 has been found to negatively affect not only the respiratory system but also the heart.
A research team led by Professor Hong Yoonchul at Seoul National University Hospital
analyzed the concentration of fine particulate matter in Seoul from 2016 to 2020,
along with mortality data for adults aged 25 and older.
The results showed that over the five-year period, there were 2,861 'excess deaths' from ischemic heart disease
attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter.
A Suffocating City: Seoul Has Already Exceeded the Standard
During the research period, Seoul's annual average fine particulate matter concentration was 23.5㎍/㎥,
well above the Ministry of Environment's standard of 15㎍/㎥.
During the same period, about 10,000 adults aged 25 and older died from ischemic heart disease,
and approximately 26% of these deaths were found to be related to exposure to fine particulate matter.
The research team stated, "If Seoul's air quality had improved,
a significant number of deaths could have been prevented."
The Older You Get, the Deeper the Impact of Fine Dust
When looking at the excess mortality rate per 100,000 people,
the mortality rate increased sharply with age.
▼
For those aged 25 and older: 38.6 people
For those aged 45 and older: 56.2 people
For those aged 65 and older: 139.8 people
▲
In particular, the elderly, whose cardiovascular function is weaker,
were found to be more severely affected by fine particulate matter.
The research team emphasized, "Air pollution should be approached as a health issue, not just an environmental one,"
"If the concentration of fine particulate matter were reduced to the standard level,
about 837 deaths from ischemic heart disease could be prevented over five years."
No Longer Just the Lungs-Now Targeting the Heart
Ischemic heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked,
preventing sufficient blood supply to the heart muscle.
Angina and myocardial infarction are representative examples of this condition.
This study is significant in that it provides concrete figures showing that fine particulate matter affects not only the lungs but also the blood vessels and heart.
There is a growing call to change the perception that 'fine dust = respiratory problem' only.
Restoring clean air
is soon protecting 'our heart'.
is soon protecting 'our heart'.
