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Even ‘safe’ air pollution levels may affect heart health

Artery blocks may start developing even in people breathing what regulators call clean air

The skies above a city is clear, even as highway traffic seen in the foreground is likely sending some pollutants into the air.

Traffic snakes past the Toronto skyline at sunset. Prolonged exposure to common air pollutants, even at levels deemed safe, may raise the risk of heart artery damage, a study of people in Toronto and surrounding areas suggests.

Brady Baker/Moment/Getty Images

By Isha Ishtiaq

Even the relatively clean air typical of North American cities may damage heart arteries, especially in women.