if you are living by the main road, you may have reasons to worry. A new study by scientists in Germany has revealed that living close to major roads (within 50 m) and long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matters may be associated with increased death incidents from heart and respiratory diseases. The study was published in the journal Epidemiology (Vol 17, No 5, September 2006).

The study was based on a group of about 4,800 women who participated in a basic study related to pollution between 1985 and 1994. Using that data, the researchers analysed death incidents during 2002 to 2005 among the same group. During the period, three per cent out of the eight per cent women who had died, had succumbed due to diseases related to heart and respiratory system. The scientists found that along busy roads, motorised vehicles contribute the most to the particulate matters and nitrogen dioxide emissions, which pose health risks.Mortality was found to be 70 per cent higher. The death incidents had increased by 34 per cent per 7