The effect of particle size on cardiovascular disorders — The smaller the worse

BackgroundPrevious studies observed associations between airborne particles and cardio-vascular disease. Questions, however, remain as to which size of the inhalable particles (coarse, fine, or ultrafine) exerts the most significant impact on health.MethodsFor this retrospective study, data of the total number of 23,741 emergency service calls, registered between February 2002 and January 2003 in the City of Leipzig, were analysed, identifying 5326 as being related to cardiovascular incidences. Simultaneous particle exposure was determined for the particle sizes classes < 100 nm (UFP), < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and < 10 μm (PM10). We used a time resolution of 1 day for both parameters, emergency calls and exposure.ResultsWithin the group of cardiovascular diseases, the diagnostic category of hypertensive crisis showed a significant association with particle exposure. The significant effect on hypertensive crisis was found for particles with a size of < 100 nm in diameter and starting with a lag of 2 days after exposure. No consistent influence could be observed for PM2.5 and PM10. The Odds Ratios on hypertensive crisis were significant for the particle size < 100 nm in diameter from day 2 post exposure OR = 1.06 (95%CI: 1.02–1.10, p = 0.002) up to day 7 OR = 1.05 (95%CI 1.02–1.09, p = 0.005).ConclusionUltrafine particles affect cardiovascular disease adversely, particularly hypertensive crises. Their effect is significant compared with PM2.5 and PM10. It appears necessary, from a public health point of view, to consider regulating this type of particles using appropriate measurands as particle number.

► Considering for the first time a detailed size distribution of fine and ultrafine particles and their influence on health.
► The number of ultrafine particles is of higher importance for cardiovascular disease than the particle mass of PM2.5 or PM10.
► Health effects start 2 days after exposure.