Air Pollution, Inflammation and Cerebrovascular Disease - A Hypothesis

Bengt Sjögren

Occupational Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Corresponding author: Dr Bengt Sjögren
    Occupational Toxicology
    Institute of Environmental Medicine
    Karolinska Institutet
    P.O. Box 210
    SE-171 77 Stockholm
    Sweden
    Telephone: +46 8 728 64 00
    Fax number: +46 8 31 41 24

CEJOEM 2001, Vol.7. Nos.3-4.:186-194

Key words:
Air pollution, cerebrovascular disease, farmers, fibrinogen, glassworkers, interleukin-6, metals, miners, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and stroke

Abstract:
This paper discusses the possible association between air pollution and cerebrovascular disease. In the mid 1990s a theory was launched that both urban and occupational air pollution may induce alveolar inflammation, with release of mediators such as fibrinogen capable of increasing blood coagulability and cause cardiovascular disease. This hypothesis is expanded and some evidence linking occupational and urban air pollution to the occurrence of cerebrovascular disease are presented. Results from some studies of occupations (farmers, miners, glassworkers) and chemical exposures (metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) illustrate this hypothesis. It should, however, be tested by case-referent studies in geographical areas where occupational dust exposure is common. Comparing the levels of indicators of blood coagulability such as fibrinogen would also be needed in particle-exposed and non-exposed workers with control for possible confounders such as smoking habits.

Received: 02 February 2001
Accepted: 10 February 2001

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