ABSTRACT
Certainly, many studies have shown a link between the environment and atherosclerosis. For example, animal studies with particulate air pollution show that exposure can lead to an increase in cardiovascular inammation, which results in an increase in atherogenesis, thrombosis, and endothelial dysfunction.551 Although the environmental effects on atherogenesis are poorly understood, data from Watanabe’s inheritable hyperlipidemic rabbits show that repeated intrapharyngeal instillation of particulates of PM10 (twice a week for 4 weeks) stimulates progression of atherosclerotic plaques and increases lipid accumulation in aortic lesions as well as plaque cell turnover.551 These data show that atherosclerosis can be environmentally induced. These observations suggest exposure to PM10 could accelerate atherogenesis and potentially enhance the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques to rupture. In addition to these studies, others have shown that aldehydes and other chemicals can induce endothelial dysfunction, signicantly accelerating and exacerbating atherogenesis and thrombosis.551 Aldehydes are one of the most common indoor pollutants found by the EHCDallas in the indoor air analysis of homes of patients with chemical sensitivity. Aldehydes are also found in the breath analysis of these patients.
