Ultrafine air particles claim 1,100 lives annually in Toronto, Montreal
Air pollution from ultrafine particles (UFPs) is responsible for an estimated 1,100 deaths each year in Montreal and Toronto, according to a Canadian study. The research was recently published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. This is the first study of its kind in Canada to investigate the health impacts of UFPs, which are primarily emitted by cars and industrial processes.
UFPs: A significant health risk
UFPs are 1,000 times thinner than a human hair and have been linked to serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer in adults. They can also contribute to low birth weight in newborns. Scott Weichenthal, the study's lead investigator from McGill University, highlighted the unique danger posed by these particles due to their size. He stated, "Ultrafine particles are incredibly small, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream."
Long-term exposure increases mortality risk
The research team analyzed air pollution data from neighborhoods housing 1.5 million adults in Toronto and Montreal from 2001-2016. They discovered that long-term exposure to UFPs was associated with a 7% increase in non-accidental deaths. The study also found higher concentrations of UFPs near major roadways, airports, and rail yards, a finding consistent with similar European studies. Weichenthal emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, "Our research shows a clear link between long-term UFP exposures and increased mortality risk."
Call for regulatory action against UFP emissions
Unlike larger "particulate matter," whose health effects are more widely recognized, UFP emissions are currently not regulated by air pollution rules. This regulatory gap exists despite the established link between long-term exposure to these particles and increased mortality risk. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory measures specifically targeting UFPs, to protect public health and reduce associated deaths.
