Each year, PM2.5 causes millions of people to die from heart disease. Because PM2.5 particles are so small, they enter our bloodstream and organs, including our hearts. A recent study in Mexico now gives us concrete evidence of air pollution particles in our hearts.
What Researchers Found
Researchers examined the hearts of 72 adults who died suddenly in car crashes. Inside the hearts, researchers found billions of tiny air pollution particles.
These Particles Kill Millions a Year
For a long time, I thought lung disease would be the biggest cause of death from PM2.5. Turns out, these particles in your heart are the biggest killer by far.
The relationship between PM2.5 and heart disease is thoroughly documented. Exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. The study also states the particles in the heart can disrupt the heart’s electrical impulse pathways.
PM2.5 also increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (A-fib), as well as inflammation and oxidative stress.
We Breathe in Over 100 Million PM2.5 Particles Every Day
Sounds crazy, but we did the math and it is true. This is of course if you are not using air purifiers at home. Using air purifiers in your home can remove nearly all PM2.5 particles in the air you breathe.
How I Protect Myself
Fortunately, we have some incredibly effective tools to drastically reduce the amount of PM2.5 particles that enter our hearts. We can reduce the PM2.5 in our hearts by over 90% just by using one tool at home: HEPA air purifiers.
Every home has PM2.5 in the air, and HEPA air purifiers can reduce the amount of PM2.5 in the air by over 95%. Simple using an air purifier that is strong enough for your space will significantly reduce the amount of air pollution you breathe. I wrote a guide on how to choose the right air purifier for your space.
At home, I use a super-powerful, yet quiet Blast Mini for my living space.
For my bedroom, I use the Sqair HEPA purifier.
What about on the go? An N95 mask or a portable HEPA air purifier will do the job.
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