News > Air pollution linked to higher hospitalisations for heart, lung diseases

Air pollution linked to higher hospitalisations for heart, lung diseases

Short and long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation for severe heart and lung disorders, according to two large US studies. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, exposure to PM2.5 accounts for an estimated 7.6 per cent of total global mortality and 4.2 per cent of global disability-adjusted life years (a measure of years lived in good health).