Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases among the Elderly in Taiwan

Objectives To investigate changes in blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar and haematological markers of inflammation associated with changes in long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants. Methods We conducted secondary analyses of data on blood pressure and blood biochemistry markers from the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study in Taiwan and air pollution data from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration in 2000. Associations of 1-year averaged criteria air pollutants ( particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters <10 mu m (PM10 ) and