Environmental Pollution and the Occurrence of Stroke in the World: Perspectives for Brazil

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the associations between air pollution and the occurrence of stroke in the world, with perspectives for the Brazilian reality. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, of a qualitative and descriptive nature, whose construction followed the following steps: choice of thematic axis, identification of the theme, definition of descriptors, selection of chosen articles, interpretation of the topics covered and discussion of the syntheses understood. Results: In this context, it was noticed that the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes associated with atmospheric pollution is more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, pollutants such as PM10 and nitrogen dioxide had higher atmospheric concentrations in low and middle income countries. In high-income countries, even with comparatively low concentrations of pollutants and, consequently, lower associative risk of stroke than states with lower socioeconomic status, exposure to levels of Black Carbon and PM2.5 had a significant relationship with the occurrence of stroke. Conclusion: It is concluded that recent studies on environmental pollution are related to the occurrence of stroke in the world and point to the existence of a harmful relationship between contact with atmospheric pollutants, especially fine particulate matter which, when interacting with the body human, is capable of contributing to the development of stroke.