For the first time, researchers have observed direct evidence that fine air pollution particles can attach to red blood cells and travel through the bloodstream to various organs in the body.
A new study conducted by Queen Mary University in London revealed a dangerous way that air pollution infiltrates the human body. Twelve volunteers participated in a controlled experiment, moving between a closed office environment and a busy street in central London while equipped with precise pollution-monitoring devices.
The results showed that PM2.5 levels near busy roads were five times higher than indoors. Even more concerning, laboratory tests of blood samples revealed a significant increase in polluted particles attached to red blood cells, in some cases tripling.
When eight of the volunteers repeated the experiment wearing FFP2 masks, no increase in particle attachment to blood was recorded, confirming the effectiveness of masks in protecting against the most dangerous air pollutants.
The research team also identified the chemical composition of these particles, finding metals such as iron and copper from vehicle exhaust and silver and molybdenum from brake and tire friction.
Professor Jonathan Greg warned that these particles “hitch a ride” on red blood cells, allowing them to reach any organ in the body, which may explain their direct link to heart and brain diseases. Professor Annie Johansen emphasized the need to tighten regulations to reduce pollution and recommended mask use, especially for those most at risk of health problems.
These findings provide a new warning about the dangers of air pollution and reveal how its effects can reach inside our bodies in previously unknown ways.
A new study conducted by Queen Mary University in London revealed a dangerous way that air pollution infiltrates the human body. Twelve volunteers participated in a controlled experiment, moving between a closed office environment and a busy street in central London while equipped with precise pollution-monitoring devices.
The results showed that PM2.5 levels near busy roads were five times higher than indoors. Even more concerning, laboratory tests of blood samples revealed a significant increase in polluted particles attached to red blood cells, in some cases tripling.
When eight of the volunteers repeated the experiment wearing FFP2 masks, no increase in particle attachment to blood was recorded, confirming the effectiveness of masks in protecting against the most dangerous air pollutants.
The research team also identified the chemical composition of these particles, finding metals such as iron and copper from vehicle exhaust and silver and molybdenum from brake and tire friction.
Professor Jonathan Greg warned that these particles “hitch a ride” on red blood cells, allowing them to reach any organ in the body, which may explain their direct link to heart and brain diseases. Professor Annie Johansen emphasized the need to tighten regulations to reduce pollution and recommended mask use, especially for those most at risk of health problems.
These findings provide a new warning about the dangers of air pollution and reveal how its effects can reach inside our bodies in previously unknown ways.
