Know the particulars about air pollution

Q: I know there are risks from exposure to particulate matter in the air. I live in the heart of Chicago. What can I do to protect myself? — Rory T., Chicago

A: Particulate air pollution does endanger your health. A large study revealed that living in areas with high levels of particulate air pollution from motor vehicle exhaust, fossil fuel combustion, wood smoke/ vegetation burning and industrial emissions was associated with an 8 percent increased risk of breast cancer. Another study found that very small particulate pollution may reduce some newborns’ ability to clear damaged cells. And then there’s coal.

A new study finds that the particulate matter released by burning coal is associated with double the risk of death compared to other sources of pollution.

Fortunately, you can reduce your risks associated with air pollution.

■ Installing hedges and green spaces along residential

DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN

streets, between schools and playgrounds and the street, and in yards can reduce harmful ultrafine particulate pollution by as much as 78 percent.

■ Using HEPA air filters at home and in the car is effective.

Q: My parents and several of their siblings died from heart disease in their 50s and 60s. I’m scared I will fall into that pattern. What can you suggest I do to help reduce my risks? — Rachel D., Springfield, Massachusetts

A: You may have an increased genetic risk for heart disease — around 40 percent of risk for heart disease is genetic — but that genetic risk is only a predisposition that you control with your choices about stress management, physical activity, nutrition, portion size and timing of your meals. And even without a genetically increased risk, a family plagued by unhealthy lifestyle factors has an increased risk.

One study looked at more than 6,200 two-parent, onechild groups to compare the parents’ history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and their adult child’s subsequent risk for it. Parental obesity and smoking were the two modifiable risk factors that were associated with the greatest risk for an adult child also having CVD.

Another study found that individuals with a family history of heart disease increased their risk of heart disease by 40 percent if they had low levels of omega-3s. But that risk was reduced by 15 percent just by eating more fatty fish.

Activity also can reduce any risk for heart disease.