Project R-5491

The association between exposure to particulate air pollution and vascular changes (Research)

Long- and short-term exposures to ambient and traffic-related air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (i.e. PM2.5), have been linked to higher rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. One of the potential underlying mechanisms to underpin this association are vascular changes, which may be on the trajectory of cardiovascular disease development. Mobile vascular imaging techniques such as retinal photography and carotid ultrasound allow for a non-invasive and convenient assessment of vascular changes within diverse study populations, including vulnerable subpopulations such as children. A large body of literature shows that susceptibility to cardiovascular disease may have its origin in utero. Furthermore, children exposed to comparable levels of air pollutants are potentially more susceptible than adults. Studies on vascular changes and environmental exposures in early life do however not exist to date. Therefore, we included this in the follow-up of the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. Furthermore, studies in children and healthy adults are performed as well.

01 October 2014 - 31 December 2019