August 2, 2007 (Insidermedicine) The hazards of air pollution are well known. Those of you who live in a big city have probably heard warnings advising people to stay inside during times when the air quality is especially bad.

Air pollution is particularly unhealthy for certain people:
•    Elderly people, since their lungs may not work as well as younger individuals
•    People with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or a cardiovascular disease, since their lungs do not function as well, and
•    People with an allergy that can make breathing more difficult

Now, new research from Britain paints even a darker picture. The research has shown that breathing polluted air is linked with early death.

The researchers examined national data on air quality in various areas of Britain from the late 1960s to the mid-to-late 1990s. Each region they picked was studied for a total of 16 years. Data of all reported deaths in each region over the same time was also studied. Since air quality regulations were implemented in Britain during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, the researchers examined the data in four year chunks to get a better handle on whether improving air quality affected the number of deaths and the causes of death.

The study involved over 5000 adults 30 years of age or older.

The researchers found that sooty air and air that was higher in sulfur dioxide – the chemical associated with acid rain – were linked to an increased risk of early death. Rather surprisingly, they also found that the improved air quality over time did not decrease the risk of early death, especially for people with diseases that affected their lungs.

The bottom line of the study is that breathing even mildly polluted air for a long time can increase the risk of death. So, paying attention to air quality warnings and heeding your doctor's advice to stay indoors during times of especially bad air pollution is wise, especially if you have breathing difficulties. It may help prolong your life.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.