MOUNTAINEER E-News

Oct. 10, 2012

RESEARCH

1) WVU study: Exposure to air pollution particles at mountaintop mining sites may lead to cardiovascular dysfunction

A published study by researchers at the West Virginia University School of Medicine and School of Public Health is the first of its kind to suggest that exposure to air pollution particles from mountaintop mining sites may impair the blood vessels’ ability to dilate, which may lead to cardiovascular disease.

Air pollution particulate matter consisting largely of sulfur and silica was collected through a vacuum system within one mile of an active mountaintop mining site in southern West Virginia. Adult male rats were exposed to the air particles, and, 24 hours following the exposure, their blood vessels’ ability to dilate and function normally was significantly reduced. More online: http://wvuhealthcare.com/wvuh/Content/Media/News-Releases/2012/OCT/WVU-study-Exposure-to-air-pollution-particles-at-m