Pollution kills by increasing cardiovascular risk

A major public health issue

Air pollution represents one of the most serious health threats of our time. Every year, more than 4 million people around the world lose their lives due to air pollution. Of these deaths, 60% are attributable to cardiovascular disease, suggesting a link between air quality and heart health.

Traffic, industry and agriculture are the main culprits in emitting fine particles. Studies show that pollution could increase the risks of hypertension, autism, excess weight and lung cancer. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. LaNutrition.fr gives you some advice to counter the negative effects of pollution on your health.

Scientific evidence is accumulating

An alarming French study

Researchers from the Health Surveillance Institute carried out an investigation in nine large French cities (Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Paris, Rouen, Le Havre, Strasbourg and Toulouse), covering a population of 11 million inhabitants. They analyzed the relationship between concentrations of polluting particles PM10 and PM2.5 – the size of which is less than 10 and 2.5 micrograms respectively – and mortality rates. Verdict: each time the level of particles increases by 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air, mortality increases by 2.2% (1).

“ For the first time, we were able to quantify the acute effects, that is to say the same day or the next day, which follow an episode of particle pollution », explains Agnès Lefranc, coordinator of the study. The researchers also point out that people suffering from cardiovascular disease and those over 65 seem particularly sensitive to the effects of pollution.

Mechanisms of vascular damage

International research published in the journal European Heart Journal has shed light on the mechanisms by which pollution damages our cardiovascular system (2). German, British and American experts were interested in different compounds (fine particles, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide) known to damage the cardiovascular system and they examined in particular the mechanisms responsible for the damage suffered by the vessels.

Their results show that it is essentially fine particles which play a role in vascular degradation linked to atmospheric pollution. Researchers say they are particularly concerned about ultrafine particles (the size of a virus). Once inhaled, these particles quickly pass through the lungs, enter the bloodstream and reach the vessels where they trigger a local inflammation. This process promotes the development of atherosclerosis and, consequently, cardiovascular diseases.

Finally, according to a study published in 2025, air pollution in cities could promote oxidative stress. This vast European study, coordinated by the CNRS with the University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm and the Research Institute for Development (IRD), reveals that the harmfulness of fine particles is not only measured by their concentration: their capacity to cause oxidative stress – called “oxidative potential” (OP) – varies greatly depending on the environment. According to this study, the OP can be up to three times higher in dense urban areas, close to road traffic, than in rural areas (3).

How to protect yourself every day

A few measures can help you reduce the negative effects of pollution on your health.

• If you travel by bikeavoid riding near major roads and instead choose cycle paths separated from the road. In fact, by sharing the road with cars, a cyclist increases his exposure to air pollutants by more than 30%.
• Some food can help you counter the harmful effects of pollution. This is the case of broccoli which would help fight against respiratory inflammation caused by the polluted air we breathe. THE omega-3 would also have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system in the event of exposure to air pollution. And don’t neglect theolive oil : 4 weeks of olive oil supplementation helps counter the harmful effects of pollution and reduces endothelial dysfunction, a warning sign of atherosclerosis.
• Finally, some food supplements can help you fight against the effects of pollution.

To go further: Toxic – The solution