Exposure to fine dust increases chances of developing high blood pressure, a study by Seoul National University showed Monday.

It is the first time that long-term research has found a correlation between air pollutants and cardiovascular disease in South Korea. 

The study is based on the health record data of some 700,000 Koreans from 2008-2010. Researchers found that chances of developing high blood pressure increased by 4.4 percent each time the average annual ultrafine dust concentration increased by 10 micrograms per cubic meter.

Aside from fine dust, exposure to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide also increased risk of high blood pressure. Kim Ho, the dean of Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Health, said the research suggests that those who have cardiovascular disease should avoid air pollutants just as much as those with respiratory diseases.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)