Lee et al, stated the relationship between air pollution and respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, is well established. However, the relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular disease remains unclear. Nevertheless, recent clinical and epidemiological data suggest the two may be related.
Lee, B. J., Kim, B., & Lee, K. (2014). Air pollution exposure and cardiovascular disease. Toxicological research, 30(2), 71–75. doi:10.5487/TR.2014.30.2.071
Peters et al, study suggests that elevated concentrations of fine particles in the air may transiently elevate the risk of MIs within a few hours and 1 day after exposure. Further studies in other locations are needed to clarify the importance of this potentially preventable trigger of MI.
Peters A., Dockery D.W., Muller J.E., Mittleman M.A. Increased particulate air pollution and the triggering of myocardial infarction. Circulation. 2001;103:2810–2815.