“Exposure to PM _2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) over a few hours to weeks can trigger cardiovascular disease–related mortality and nonfatal events;
longer-term exposure (eg, a few years) increases the risk for cardiovascular mortality to an even greater extent than exposures over a few days and r
educes life expectancy within more highly exposed segments of the population by several months to a few years;
reductions in PM levels are associated with decreases in cardiovascular mortality within a time frame as short as a few years; and many credible
pathological mechanisms have been elucidated that lend biological plausibility to these findings. It is the opinion of the
writing group that the overall evidence is consistent with a causal relationship between PM2.5 exposure and
cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This body of evidence has grown and been strengthened substantially since the
first American Heart Association scientific statement was published. Finally, PM2.5 exposure is deemed a modifiable
factor that contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. (Circulation. 2010;121:2331-2378.)”
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