This study investigated the relationship between particulate air pollution and blood parameters in older adults. The study measured personal exposure to PM10 in 112 adults aged 60+ in Belfast and Edinburgh over 18 months. Personal PM10 exposure was estimated using diaries and models. Blood samples were taken every 4-6 weeks and related to personal PM10 exposure over the previous 3 days as well as city-wide PM10 levels. Higher personal and city-wide PM10 exposures were associated with lower hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and platelets, as well as higher C-reactive protein. This suggests PM10 exposure may cause peripheral sequestration of red blood cells, providing an explanation for cardiovascular effects of air pollution.






