Researchers Connect Teenagers' Increased Blood Pressure To Pollution

According to a survey of teenagers in London, prolonged exposure to particle pollution may be linked to greater blood pressure in teens.

The study, which was published on Wednesday in PLoS ONE, found that although all age groups showed elevated blood pressure in response to fine particle (PM 2.5) pollution, the effects were particularly pronounced in teenage girls.

PM 2.5 pollution, which consists of particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller, is typically produced by building materials, industries, and vehicle emissions.

The writers concentrated on the 11–16 age range since they believed it to be a crucial stage of growth and development. They cautioned that adverse organ consequences at this point could result in lifelong difficulties.

Seeromanie Harding, a senior author from King’s College London, stated in a statement that “more than 1 million children under the age of 18 live in districts where air pollution is higher than the recommended health guidelines.”

More of these studies are urgently required to get a thorough understanding of the risks to and opportunities for the development of young people, according to Harding.

The scientists used data from 3,284 teenagers in two age ranges—11–13 and 14–16—to reach their conclusions. At the participating schools, they assessed systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

According to the authors, those who have high blood pressure are at an increased risk of developing hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.

The scientists discovered that teens’ blood pressure was lowered after exposure to nitrogen dioxide, which is produced by diesel traffic, in contrast to the effects they observed from particle pollution.

The results were comparable to those of “ingesting green leafy vegetables or beetroot juice,” according to co-author Andrew Webb of King’s College London.

Researchers Connect Teenagers’ Increased Blood Pressure To Pollution

According to a survey of teenagers in London, prolonged exposure to particle pollution may be linked to greater blood pressure in teens.

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