HEALTH

New study find air pollution is harmful in summer too

Nov 9, 2023, 7:00 AM | Updated: 7:37 am

air pollution...

FILE: Air pollution over Utah. (Photo: Jeffrey D Allred, Deseret News)

(Photo: Jeffrey D Allred, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — An Intermountain Healthcare study released Wednesday found air pollution in the summer might be worse for our health than we thought.

The study links increased heart problems to seasonal air pollution. It adds to a previously known link between air pollution and people seeking same-day treatment for life-threatening heart conditions. The new information differentiates between heart attacks and unstable chest pain.

According to the study, unstable chest pain is something people experience when they are doing little or no physical activity.

The study’s lead author Dr. Benjamin Horne said they found more instances of unstable chest pain patients during the summer season. (The study also found there are more heart attacks, which are hospital-level pain, in the winter.)

That’s because wildfires don’t cause fine particulate matter to rise much in the summer. According to the study, particulate matter in wildfire smoke is different from the particulate matter from cars and businesses. The difference in particulate matter is likely the reason for the different outcomes.

Dr. Horne said behavior in each season likely contributes.

“In the wintertime, most people are sitting inside anyway. It’s cold it’s snowing, where in the summer, everyone expects to be outside,” he said. “So they might be ignoring the air pollution because they’ve planned something.”

Experts hope this study will remind all groups, especially those at risk of heart issues, to avoid long outdoor exposure during high air pollution days.

Researchers will share the study’s findings at this year’s American Heart Association conference.

Kristine Weller contributed to this story.

Related stories:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise across the U.S....

Michelle Lee

Simple ways to keep respiratory illnesses away

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Nicole Henry with CVS to learn what we can do to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses.

2 days ago

Kaysville City officials confirmed that the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District had added water ...

Simone Seikaly

Kaysville City tells residents why water smells like chlorine

Weber officials recently added water from groundwater wells, which, because of extra processing, created the chlorine smell.

5 days ago

wegovy, one of many weight loss drugs...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Popular weight loss drugs may play a factor in vision loss, review shows

Ingredients in popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro may play a role in vision complications, such as eye stroke.

5 days ago

The Weber County Animal Shelter reported it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs after a canine parvov...

Simone Seikaly

Parvovirus outbreak leads to euthanizations at Weber County Animal Services

The Weber County Animal Shelter said it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs that had been vaccinated but contracted parvovirus anyway.

7 days ago

This image shows a chicken coop and garden at the home of Sarah Penny in Knoxville, Tenn., in May 2...

Associated Press

Soaring egg prices are piquing interest in backyard chickens

Thinking about backyard chickens as egg prices soar? Think hard, especially in light of the bird flu outbreak.

7 days ago

A doctor uses a hand-held Doppler probe on a pregnant woman to measure the heartbeat of the fetus o...

Don Brinkerhoff

AI model could help predict dangers in unborn babies

Researchers have developed a new AI model that may help doctors assess the risk a fetus has for serious complications like stillbirth.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

New study find air pollution is harmful in summer too