Impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure during wildfires on cardiovascular health outcomes
Epidemiological studies investigating the role of fine particulate matter (PM2.5; aerodynamic diameter <2.5 lm) in triggering acute coronary events, including out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and ischemic heart disease (IHD), during wildfires have been inconclusive. The researchers examined the associations of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, IHD, acute myocardial infarction, and angina (hospital admissions and emergency department attendance) with PM2.5 concentrations during the 2006–2007 wildfires in Victoria, Australia, using a time-stratified case-crossover study design.