By Murray Sherriffs
A study by McGill University has determined that an environmental policy designed to improve air quality, also benefits cardiovascular health.
Researchers say China’s Clean Heating Policy—introduced to reduce smog by helping rural households switch from coal to electric or natural gas home heating—has lowered blood pressure in adults.
Senior author Jill Baumgartner, professor at McGill’s Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy, says that researchers followed more than 1,200 adults in 50 communities, measuring blood pressure, indoor air pollution and indoor temperatures.
“…our findings and evaluation approach could help guide future energy transition programs in other locations where solid fuel heating remains common.”
