Encourage Your Local Government to 

Take Action

Local governments should take these simple steps to

reduce hazards and publicize precautions older adults

can take.

• Promote smoke-free policies in public places:

By keeping public places (restaurants, bars, and

parks) smoke-free, communities can limit exposure

to secondhand smoke.

• Promote Active Heat Health Watch Warning

and Response Systems: These systems can

help identify when a heat-related threat is likely,

alert residents, and provide assistance to at-risk

individuals.

• Ensure that Air Quality Index forecasts are

publicized and followed: EPA’s Air Quality Index

is an index for reporting daily air quality. See www.

epa.gov/airnow.

• Promote public transit options that reduce

traffic and air pollution: Public transit is the best

way to alleviate road congestion, air pollution, and

stress.

• Locate parks, bike paths, and trails away

from major roads: Physical activity is one of

the best ways to lower your risk for heart disease

and stroke. Exercise away from roads and traffic

pollution.

Control Your Major Risk Factors for Heart

Disease and Stroke

The environment is just one factor that influences a

person’s susceptibility to heart disease and stroke.

The most important steps you can take to reduce risk

factors for heart disease and stroke include:

• Avoid smoke from tobacco

• Schedule time for regular physical activity 30

minutes per day at least 5 days a week

• Follow the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for

Americans

• See your health care provider regularly to

screen for and treat high blood pressure,

diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (elevated levels

of lipids in the bloodstream)

Additional Resources

Environmental Protection Agency

Air Quality Index: www.airnow.gov

Arsenic: www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic.html

Indoor Air Quality: www.epa.gov/iaq/

Lead: www.epa.gov/lead

Painting: www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-painting.html

Pesticides: www.epa.gov/pesticides/

Smoke free homes: www.epa.gov/smokefree/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Cardiovascular health: www.cdc.gov/cvh/

Physical Fitness Guidelines:http://www.cdc.gov/

nccdphp/dnpa/physical/recommendations/older_

adults.htm

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/

Federal Emergency Management Administration

www.fema.gov/hazards/extremeheat/heat.shtm

National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov/

om/brochures/heat_wave.shtml

American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org

Health Effects Institute

www.healtheffects.org/about.htm

Footnotes

1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Air Quality Guide for

Particle Pollution. http://www.epa.gov/airnow//aqi_cl.pdf

2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Regulation and

Management of Pesticide Poisonings. 1999. http://www.epa.gov/

pesticides/safety/healthcare/handbook/Index1.pdf

3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Air Quality Criteria for

Carbon Monoxide, EPA 600-P-99-001F. Research Triangle Park,

NC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office Research and

Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment.

June 2000.

4 Peters, A., S. von Klot, M. Heier, I. Trentinaglia, H. Ines, A.

Hormann, H.E. Erich, H. Lowel. “Exposure to Traffic and the Onset

of Myocardial Infarction.” The New England Journal of Medicine.

Oct 21, 2004. 351 (17): 1721-30.

Learn More

The EPA Aging Initiative works to protect the

health of older adults through the coordination

of research, prevention strategies, and public

education on environmental factors. For more

information, or to join the EPA Aging Initiative

listserve visit: www.epa.gov/aging. Older adults

can improve their health and quality of life by

being aware of environmental contributors to

heart disease and stroke and controlling major

non-environmental risk factors.

Publication Number

EPA 100-F-05-020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ability to carry oxygen. For a person with heart

disease, exposure to even low levels of CO may

cause chest pain, increased heart rhythm irregularities

and make it difficult to exercise.3 Sources of CO

include fumes from furnaces, gas water heaters,

ranges, dryers, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves,

and exhaust from cars idling in enclosed garages.

Outdoor Air Pollution

Older adults who are at risk for heart disease and

stroke may benefit from lowering their contact with

air polluted with particulates and vehicular exhaust.

Particle Pollution: Small soot particles found in

outdoor air can be hazardous and the risk is greatest

among people with heart disease, chronic obstructive

lung disease and asthma. Particles originate from a

variety of sources including vehicles, power plants,

industrial smokestacks, and fires. Some particles

are emitted into the air directly, but others form

as a result of complicated chemical reactions in

the atmosphere. Particles can travel hundreds to

thousands of miles downwind, affecting people far

from the sources.

Traffic: Time spent in traffic has also been associated

with the onset of a heart attack.4 It is not known

whether this is due to traffic-related air pollution (e.g.,

particle pollution, CO), the stress of being caught in

traffic, or some other risk factor.

Pollutant Gases: Ozone, sulfur dioxide, and

nitrogen dioxide are also important components

of air pollution and are associated with adverse

health effects. Ozone is a strong irritant to the lungs

and airways and can cause chest pain that can be

mistaken for a heart attack.

Drinking Water

There is evidence that several metals found in

drinking water may contribute to heart disease or

aggravate its symptoms.

Lead: Exposure to lead can increase blood pressure.

While people are primarily exposed to lead through

paint dust, drinking water is another source of lead

exposure. While water from a community’s public

water supply must meet EPA standards for lead, tap

water may still contain lead exceeding the allowable

levels due to the presence of older lead-containing

plumbing materials.

Arsenic: Long-term exposure to high levels of

arsenic, a natural element found in drinking water

in some areas of the country, can harm the heart.

EPA has a drinking water standard for public drinking

water systems to ensure that people are not exposed

to high levels of arsenic. If you obtain your water

from a private well or small water system, see the

“Steps You Can Take” section for more information

about actions to limit your exposure.

Excessive Heat Events

Heat events are described as prolonged periods

when temperatures reach at least 10o F. (5.5oC.)

above a region’s average high temperature. Heat

stroke is the most serious of a range of health effects

associated with excessive heat exposure. It occurs

when the body’s temperature control system fails

causing a rapid rise in core body temperature. Heat

stroke is characterized by hot, dry, and red skin,

and a lack of perspiration. Other warning signs are

confusion and hallucinations. Heat stroke is a serious

condition requiring immediate medical attention (call

911 or take the person to an emergency room).

Left untreated, heat stroke can cause severe and

permanent damage to vital organs, permanent

disability, or death.

Persons with heart disease and stroke have impaired

cooling mechanisms and are more vulnerable during

heat events. The use of some medications can

make individuals more susceptible to heat events

for example, anti-depressants and some circulatory

medications.

During heat events, air-conditioning is the best

protection against heat-related illness and death.

Even a few hours a day in air-conditioning can greatly

reduce the risk. Research indicates electric fans are

only effective if the ambient temperature is lower

than the body temperature. Electric fans may provide

comfort, but when temperatures are in the high 90s,

fans do not prevent heat-related illness and could

actually be harmful.
ability to carry oxygen. For a person with heart

disease, exposure to even low levels of CO may

cause chest pain, increased heart rhythm irregularities

and make it difficult to exercise.3 Sources of CO

include fumes from furnaces, gas water heaters,

ranges, dryers, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves,

and exhaust from cars idling in enclosed garages.

Outdoor Air Pollution

Older adults who are at risk for heart disease and

stroke may benefit from lowering their contact with

air polluted with particulates and vehicular exhaust.

Particle Pollution: Small soot particles found in

outdoor air can be hazardous and the risk is greatest

among people with heart disease, chronic obstructive

lung disease and asthma. Particles originate from a

variety of sources including vehicles, power plants,

industrial smokestacks, and fires. Some particles

are emitted into the air directly, but others form

as a result of complicated chemical reactions in

the atmosphere. Particles can travel hundreds to

thousands of miles downwind, affecting people far

from the sources.

Traffic: Time spent in traffic has also been associated

with the onset of a heart attack.4 It is not known

whether this is due to traffic-related air pollution (e.g.,

particle pollution, CO), the stress of being caught in

traffic, or some other risk factor.

Pollutant Gases: Ozone, sulfur dioxide, and

nitrogen dioxide are also important components

of air pollution and are associated with adverse

health effects. Ozone is a strong irritant to the lungs

and airways and can cause chest pain that can be

mistaken for a heart attack.

Drinking Water

There is evidence that several metals found in

drinking water may contribute to heart disease or

aggravate its symptoms.

Lead: Exposure to lead can increase blood pressure.

While people are primarily exposed to lead through

paint dust, drinking water is another source of lead

exposure. While water from a community’s public

water supply must meet EPA standards for lead, tap

water may still contain lead exceeding the allowable

levels due to the presence of older lead-containing

plumbing materials.

Arsenic: Long-term exposure to high levels of

arsenic, a natural element found in drinking water

in some areas of the country, can harm the heart.

EPA has a drinking water standard for public drinking

water systems to ensure that people are not exposed

to high levels of arsenic. If you obtain your water

from a private well or small water system, see the

“Steps You Can Take” section for more information

about actions to limit your exposure.

Excessive Heat Events

Heat events are described as prolonged periods

when temperatures reach at least 10o F. (5.5oC.)

above a region’s average high temperature. Heat

stroke is the most serious of a range of health effects

associated with excessive heat exposure. It occurs

when the body’s temperature control system fails

causing a rapid rise in core body temperature. Heat

stroke is characterized by hot, dry, and red skin,

and a lack of perspiration. Other warning signs are

confusion and hallucinations. Heat stroke is a serious

condition requiring immediate medical attention (call

911 or take the person to an emergency room).

Left untreated, heat stroke can cause severe and

permanent damage to vital organs, permanent

disability, or death.

Persons with heart disease and stroke have impaired

cooling mechanisms and are more vulnerable during

heat events. The use of some medications can

make individuals more susceptible to heat events

for example, anti-depressants and some circulatory

medications.

During heat events, air-conditioning is the best

protection against heat-related illness and death.

Even a few hours a day in air-conditioning can greatly

reduce the risk. Research indicates electric fans are

only effective if the ambient temperature is lower

than the body temperature. Electric fans may provide

comfort, but when temperatures are in the high 90s,

fans do not prevent heat-related illness and could

actually be harmful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encourage Your Local Government to 

Take Action

Local governments should take these simple steps to

reduce hazards and publicize precautions older adults

can take.

•	 Promote smoke-free policies in public places:

By keeping public places (restaurants, bars, and

parks) smoke-free, communities can limit exposure

to secondhand smoke.

•	 Promote Active Heat Health Watch Warning

and Response Systems: These systems can

help identify when a heat-related threat is likely,

alert residents, and provide assistance to at-risk

individuals.

•	 Ensure that Air Quality Index forecasts are

publicized and followed: EPA’s Air Quality Index

is an index for reporting daily air quality. See www.

epa.gov/airnow.

•	 Promote public transit options that reduce

traffic and air pollution: Public transit is the best

way to alleviate road congestion, air pollution, and

stress.

•	 Locate parks, bike paths, and trails away

from major roads: Physical activity is one of

the best ways to lower your risk for heart disease

and stroke. Exercise away from roads and traffic

pollution.

Control Your Major Risk Factors for Heart

Disease and Stroke

The environment is just one factor that influences a

person’s susceptibility to heart disease and stroke.

The most important steps you can take to reduce risk

factors for heart disease and stroke include:

•	 Avoid smoke from tobacco

•	 Schedule time for regular physical activity 30

minutes per day at least 5 days a week

•	 Follow the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for

Americans

•	 See your health care provider regularly to

screen for and treat high blood pressure,

diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (elevated levels

of lipids in the bloodstream)

Additional Resources

Environmental Protection Agency

Air Quality Index: www.airnow.gov

Arsenic: www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic.html

Indoor Air Quality: www.epa.gov/iaq/

Publication Number

EPA 100-F-05-020

Lead: www.epa.gov/lead

Painting: www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-painting.html

Pesticides: www.epa.gov/pesticides/

Smoke free homes: www.epa.gov/smokefree/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Cardiovascular health: www.cdc.gov/cvh/

Physical Fitness Guidelines:http://www.cdc.gov/

nccdphp/dnpa/physical/recommendations/older_

adults.htm

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/

Federal Emergency Management Administration

www.fema.gov/hazards/extremeheat/heat.shtm

National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov/

om/brochures/heat_wave.shtml

American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org

Health Effects Institute

www.healtheffects.org/about.htm

Learn More

The EPA Aging Initiative works to protect the
 

health of older adults through the coordination
 

of research, prevention strategies, and public
 

education on environmental factors. For more
 

information, or to join the EPA Aging Initiative
 

listserve visit: www.epa.gov/aging. Older adults
 

can improve their health and quality of life by
 

being aware of environmental contributors to
 

heart disease and stroke and controlling major
 

non-environmental risk factors.
 

Footnotes

1	 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Air Quality Guide for

Particle Pollution. http://www.epa.gov/airnow//aqi_cl.pdf

2	 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Regulation and

Management of Pesticide Poisonings. 1999. http://www.epa.gov/

pesticides/safety/healthcare/handbook/Index1.pdf

3	 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Air Quality Criteria for

Carbon Monoxide, EPA 600-P-99-001F. Research Triangle Park,

NC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office Research and

Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment.

June 2000.

4	 Peters, A., S. von Klot, M. Heier, I. Trentinaglia, H. Ines, A.

Hormann, H.E. Erich, H. Lowel. “Exposure to Traffic and the Onset

of Myocardial Infarction.” The New England Journal of Medicine.

Oct 21, 2004. 351 (17): 1721-30.