A study by researchers at McGill University has found that a microscopic air pollutant generated from vehicles and industry plays a role in the deaths of an estimated 1,100 people in Canada害羞草研究所檚 two biggest cities each year.

Their study, published recently in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, finds that long-term exposure to the ultrafine particles known as UFPs 害羞草研究所� which are typically less than 100 nanometres in size 害羞草研究所� increases the risk of mortality.

Researchers tracked air pollution levels between 2001 and 2016 in Toronto and Montreal and used information including mortality data and other records to follow about 1.5 million people over time and calculate the connection between the exposure to UFPs and risk of death.

害羞草研究所淲e found that people, especially who are living in areas with higher levels of these particles, have a higher risk of mortality overall as well as mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular causes,害羞草研究所� Scott Weichenthal, the study害羞草研究所檚 lead investigator, said in an interview on Wednesday.

The tiny size of the particles allows them to penetrate deep into the human body and enter the bloodstream, contributing to heart and lung diseases, as well as some forms of cancer, said Weichenthal, who is an associate professor in the department of epidemiology, biostatistics, and occupational health at McGill.

Previous studies have underestimated the health dangers posed by such small particles, he said.

According to his analysis, areas in Montreal and Toronto located near highways, airports and rail yards 害羞草研究所� anywhere fossil fuels and organic material are burned on a large scale 害羞草研究所� have higher concentrations of UFPs, meaning people who live in those areas are at a higher risk.

害羞草研究所淭he levels in the east part of Montreal tend to be slightly higher than the west probably because there害羞草研究所檚 more (of an) industrial area in the east,害羞草研究所� he said.

The study害羞草研究所檚 authors say Ottawa and the provinces need to set concentration limits for UFPs the way they have done to regulate larger particles like fine particulate matter, such as soot from wood-burning.

害羞草研究所淩ight now we have no regulations at all, and (UFPs) are not really considered in terms of managing air quality,害羞草研究所� Weichenthal said. 害羞草研究所淚 think there needs to be more attention in terms of the possible health effects, but also monitoring to try to introduce policies that will reduce emission sources of these particles,害羞草研究所� he said, adding that these efforts need to be focused where combustion occurs.

Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Joe Bongiorno, The Canadian Press