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Fine-Particle Pollution Boosts Women's Heart Disease Risk 81%

6/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Kate Hanneman reported that long-term exposure to fine-particle pollution raises coronary disease risk.
The study analyzed cardiac CT scans of 11,128 adults collected from 2012-2023 at three Toronto hospitals.
A 1 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5 increased coronary calcium by 11%, plaque odds by 13% and obstructive disease odds by 23%.
Women showed an 81% higher heart-disease risk from PM2.5 exposure, while men showed no significant association.

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Story summary

Dr. Kate Hanneman reported that long-term exposure to fine-particle pollution raises coronary disease risk.
The study analyzed cardiac CT scans of 11,128 adults collected from 2012-2023 at three Toronto hospitals.
A 1 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5 increased coronary calcium by 11%, plaque odds by 13% and obstructive disease odds by 23%.
Women showed an 81% higher heart-disease risk from PM2.5 exposure, while men showed no significant association.