A study published in GeoHealth shows that countries with higher exposure to ultrafine particles generally experience a greater burden of cardiovascular diseases.

The study, co-first authored by Francesca Costabile from CNR-ISAC, uses an ecological approach to assess changes in long-term exposure to ultrafine particles in relation to cardiovascular diseases.

Ultrafine particles are extremely small particles that exist in very high numbers in the air and can penetrate deep into the lungs. Unlike larger particles, their long-term health effects are not yet well understood because standardized global exposure data have only recently become available.

The research team analyzed long-term exposure to ultrafine particles between 2010 and 2019 in high-income countries, examining its relationship with the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Using a new global data set on ultrafine particles together with country-level public health data, the researchers investigated associations between ultrafine particles exposure and indicators of disease burden.

Findings highlight the need for further research into the possible effects of long-term exposure to these kind of particles on cardiovascular diseases. According to the authors, ultrafine particles deserve specific attention in air quality regulations and public health policies, even in countries where existing air quality standars for fine particulate matter are already met.