In a cooperative study done between researchers in Italy and scientists from Harvard University evidence has been uncovered which gives support to a link between blood clots and air pollution.

Deep Vein Thrombosis And Complications Increased By Dirty Air

Italy- In a cooperative study done between researchers in Italy and scientists from Harvard University evidence has been uncovered which gives support to a link between blood clots and air pollution.

The level of air pollution, even at levels deemed “acceptable,” by the EPA can increase the risk to patients of deep vein thrombosis, or clotting in the veins.

Researchers from Italy and Harvard University studied 870 people who had Deep Vein Thrombosis from 1995 to the year 2000. The researchers looked at the air pollution levels in the year just before these patients were diagnosed, and compared these results with 1,210 people that matched up who did not have the DVT condition.

For every 10 microgram per cubic meter rise above 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air, the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis goes up 70 percent.

The particulate air pollution standard in the United States is 150 micrograms per cubic Meter of air. It is believed that very fine and fine particles of pollution are causing most of the health risks that are linked to specific air pollution.

The EPA decides on the standards and the standard for very tiny particles may need to be increased to a higher safety margin.