Exposure to fine dust particles can increase the risk of angina, which is often a symptom of coronary heart disease that causes pain the chest, according to researchers at the Korea University Guro Hospital. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – High fine dust levels have been found to increase the risk of angina, a new study has found.
Exposure to fine dust particles can increase the risk of angina, which is often a symptom of coronary heart disease that causes pain the chest, according to researchers at the Korea University Guro Hospital.
The team, led by professor Na Seun-un from the hospital’s Cardiovascular Center, said that when the level of fine dust particles is higher than 85 micrograms per cubic meter, the risk of angina increases by 25 percent compared to when fine dust levels are within the normal range.
The findings from the research released on Thursday show that for every 20 micrograms of fine dust particles per cubic meter, the risk of angina rose 4 percent.
Though fine dust particles have proven to be harmful to human health and can cause a number of diseases by worsening inflammation, it’s the first time a study has demonstrated a link to a higher risk of angina.
Na urges people not to go out when fine dust levels are classified as ‘bad’ by weather authorities.
“Women, the elderly, and those with high blood pressure should all avoid going out when the fine dust levels are high, as the risk of angina is heightened,” Na said.
Health concerns have grown for women and children in South Korea, with fine dust particles blanketing the skies across the country for days.
According to reports, a growing number of South Korean parents are debating whether to send their children to preschool when the air quality is extremely poor.
High fine dust levels have been found to increase the risk of angina, a new study has found. (Image: Kobiz Media)
“Many parents are calling in to see whether there will be a field trip and asking us to avoid outdoor activities. As we could tell how bad the air quality was with our bare eyes, we canceled road trips,” said one preschool official in Suwon.
The official said air purifiers are in operation in every class all day long.
The findings from the study were published in the latest edition of the international academic journal Coronary Artery Disease.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
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