Interactions Between Environmental and Genetic Risk Factors for Stroke: The Example of Particulate Matter
Social and environmental determinants of health are systemic structures and conditions upstream of one’s intrinsic biological and behavioral predisposition that influence health, functioning, and quality of life. Outdoor air pollution is an environmental determinant of health composed of gases (e.g., nitrogen oxides) and particulate matter (PM) that increases the risk of lung and cardiovascular diseases, especially in the elderly. 1 The fraction of PM < 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM 2.5) is a measurement