Effect of pollutants on Cardiovascular Health
Recent epidemiological studies have shown that the greatest health threat due to air pollution is cardiovascular disease \cite{Lee_2014}. Because of its small size, particulate matter can be inhaled deep into the lungs, with a portion depositing in the alveoli and entering the pulmonary circulation and apparently the systemic circulation\cite{Sun_2010}. Inhalation of particulate matter or ultrafine particles (UFPs) triggers inflammatory responses in the lung and increases the release of inflammatory mediators into the blood. This, in turn, can lead to various changes in the cardiovascular system, such as an increase in blood coagulability and the progression of atherosclerotic lesions \cite{Nakane_2011}.