Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in adults in the United States.
Associations between particulate air pollution and cardiovascular hospitalization and mortality have been found in population-based epidemiologic studies. However, little is understood about the cardiovascular physiologic mechanisms by which humans respond to particulate exposure. Specifically, we propose a time series epidemiologic study involving repeated monitoring of adults to evaluate whether measures of cardiovascular function vary as air pollution varies. We will also assess whether exercise augments the cardiovascular response to pollution. In addition to PM 2.5, O3, NO2, SO2, temperature, and relative humidity effects will be assessed.