Researchers have found a possible link between the frequency of strokes and pollutants released into the air from the pipes of oil refineries. The work was carried out by scientists from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
A new study has shown that exposure to pollutants released into the atmosphere by oil refineries can increase the prevalence of stroke. It was conducted among residents of the southern regions of the United States. Living near oil production facilities and refineries increases the risk of stroke among adults by 5.6%. These are the results of the study of this phenomenon in 7 American states.
The process of oil purification is a whole industry in the south of the country, and during purification, many harmful particles enter the air, which researchers have previously associated with strokes. But now scientists have sought to establish a direct link between oil refining and the development of strokes. The geographical concentration of such enterprises is a little-studied, but possible reason.
At plants where oil is processed, a lot of pollutants are released into the air that can affect the quality of the surrounding air, land and water. At the same time, the results differed depending on the states. For example, Mississippi refineries increased the risk of stroke by 11.7%. But in Texas, this figure reached 25.3%. But in some states – only 0.4%.
