A new study has found that fine particulate matter, known as PM 2.5, is contributing to 9 causes of death in United States Veterans. And more damaging? These PM 2.5  particulate matter levels causing the deaths are levels under the requirements set by the EPA.

According to the study published in JAMA Network, the causes of death associated with PM 2.5 are: pneumonia, lung cancer, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dementia, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease. Three of these, chronic kidney disease, dementia and hypertension, are new causes associated with particulate matter. The study also found racial and socioeconomic disparities in the data.

The relevance of the study? According to the authors, ” Effort toward cleaner air might reduce the burden of PM_2.5-associated deaths.” The study continued, “An extensive body of scientific evidence suggests substantial health gains realized by cleaner air, and that further reduction in PM2.5 might lead to even greater reduction in burden of disease.”

Particulate matter is a defined by the EPA as “the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.” PM2.5 are particles that are 30 times smaller than a hair.

Sources of particulate matter include construction sites, unpaved roads, smokestacks, fields and fire. but the most common? PM is often from a mixture of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. This mix is made when power plant, industry and automobile pollutants are emitted, according to the EPA.

To reduce particulate matter, we must reduce industry and power plants, and automobile pollutants. Read more in One Green Planet about efforts to reduce our dependence on these, including Trump Blocks California’s Emissions Rules and Care About Clean Air? Here’s Why You Might Want to Skip the Cheese.

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Also, don’t forget to download the Food Monster App on iTunes — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy!

Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!