The Journal of the American Heart Association recently came out with a study that showed a link between air pollution and irregular heartbeat in teenagers. According to Penn State University’s Dr. Fan He, the study’s lead author, particulate matter may be responsible for the increase in risk for cardiovascular issues, particularly arrhythmias (or irregular heart rhythms).
Particulate matter (PM2.5) is easily inhaled and travels deep down into the lungs and into the bloodstream. Once the lungs and blood vessels are irritated, the risk of cardiac death increases over time. PM2.5 comes from road transport, specifically from brake pads, road dust, tyres, and diesel fumes.
The study was conducted among 322 six- to 12-year-old youngsters. Throughout the 24-hour period that they were studied, around 79% had at least one incidence of an irregular heartbeat. The teenagers carried mobile air sampling kits and heart monitors for the duration of the study.
Dr. He described the impact on teenagers’ cardiac health as alarming because, at the time of the study, air quality was within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. This, he said, may be an indication that the ones most at risk as adolescents living in inner cities and other highly polluted areas.
While Dr. He advised youngsters to refrain from doing strenuous activities and to always wear masks, especially during days when PM2.5 concentration is at a high level, the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Professor Robert Brook urged the government to implement strict air quality or AQ regulations.
The professor also stressed the importance of adapting behavioural changes such as using respirators and portable air cleaners, choosing non-peak hours for working out, and wearing face masks.
According to the study, even healthy teenagers become more susceptible to the cardiovascular impacts of fine particles and air pollution in general. The study was the first to provide evidence of a link between irregular heartbeats among healthy adolescents and PM2.5 air pollution.
Diesel emissions
As mentioned earlier, diesel emissions are a primary source of particulate matter. This is why when the Dieselgate scandal broke in September 2015, alarms were raised throughout the automotive industry and authorities were quick to act on the matter.
The EPA and the California Air Resources Board called the attention of the Volkswagen Group after they found defeat devices in Audi and Volkswagen diesel vehicles in the US. The devices are used to detect when a vehicle goes into testing so emissions levels can be artificially reduced to within the World Health Organization (WHO)-regulated limits. Thus, authorities are presented with high-performing and environmentally safe Audi and VW vehicles.
In reality, however, the vehicles emitted massive amounts of nitrogen oxide or NOx emissions when driven in real-world road conditions. NOx is a highly reactive toxic gas with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO) as primary components. It is a catalyst for acid rain, smog, and ground-level ozone, which negatively impacts vegetation and overall air quality.
Exposure to NOx emissions can also trigger mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and may even affect a person’s cognitive abilities. Health impacts are often life-changing, including chronic reduction of lung function, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, asphyxiation, respiratory issues, laryngospasm, and premature death.
The VW Group deceived customers into believing they bought first-class, high-performing, and environmentally friendly vehicles when they were actually contributing toxic air every time they were on the road.
The Volkswagen Group initially denied all allegations but later on admitted their guilt. Not long after, Mercedes-Benz found itself in the spotlight as the same US authorities that called out the VW Group raised allegations of defeat device use in Mercedes diesel vehicles. Daimler, the carmaker’s parent company, denied the allegations. Nevertheless, like VW, the manufacturer has spent billions in fines and compensations, faced several class-action lawsuits and group litigation cases, and recalled millions of affected vehicles.
Affected car owners are represented by legal firms in bringing diesel compensation claims against VW, Mercedes, and all the other carmakers involved in the scandal. Depending on the outcome and circumstances of their claim, car owners can receive compensation for the health, environmental, and financial inconvenience the defeat device has caused them and the people around them.
Can I make a diesel claim?
If you have a Mercedes-Benzor any of the other affected vehicles, you may be eligible to make a diesel claim. There are several other qualifications, such as vehicle model, engine type, and year of manufacture.
So, before proceeding with the claims process, it is best to verify your eligibility first. Visit ClaimExperts.co.uk as they can provide all the eligibility information you need. After verification, you can start working on your Mercedes emissions claim with the help of a panel of emissions solicitors.
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