Heartbreaker

Air Pollution Boosts Heart Attacks, Says New Study

Evidence keeps coming in to show that air pollution kills. New research released on Sunday found that during the 18 highest air-pollution days in Dijon, France, the rate of heart attacks increased by 161 percent among the general population, and by 250 percent among smokers. Fine particulate pollution was the culprit, even when levels did not exceed government standards. Lead researcher Yves Cottin of the University of Dijon said similar patterns may be found in other urban areas around the world, though more studies would be needed on the matter.