Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution and Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis

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Abstract
Exposure to particulate air pollution has been associated with increased short- and long-term morbidity and mortality from heart disease and stroke.1-4 Hypercoagulability and enhanced thrombosis have been indicated as one mechanistic pathway that mediates such effects,4,5 since higher plasma levels of coagulation proteins such as factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, and fibrinogen have been associated with the exposure.5-7 Recently, changes in coagulation function resulting in shortened prothrombin time (PT) have been observed in association with higher mean level of particulate air pollution of less than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) in the 30 days before the examination, suggesting that extended PM10 exposure may cause effects on blood clotting.8