High blood pressure from fine particulate matter
The researchers were able to control precisely for those risk factors. They also took into account traffic noise on busy streets, which is known to raise blood pressure as well.
The studys result was striking: for every 2.4 micrograms per cubic meter increase in fine particulate matter in the air, blood pressure went up by 2 mmHg. That could help explain why people living in cities are more likely to have high blood pressure than those in rural areas. The effects appeared even at particulate levels below the current legal limits.
Toner dust from laser printers or copiers is also a form of fine particulate matter and, at high concentrations in an office, can contribute to higher blood pressure.
American researchers found very similar results. They observed residents of a nursing home in Detroit, an area considered polluted with fine particles. The residents were given air purifiers that either had no filter, a low-efficiency filter, or a high-efficiency HEPA filter. After a set period the devices were switched so every resident had each version in their room for a time. The filters ran for three days at a time. Personal exposure was measured during those days using a small device worn on the body. Eighty percent of the participants were taking medication for high blood pressure.
It turned out that the systolic blood pressure dropped most clearly during the phase when the low-efficiency filter was used. The high-efficiency filter performed almost as well. However, the reduction was statistically significant only in the overweight participants. Normal-weight subjects benefited much less from an air filter.
There are many suitable filters available on the market. When buying one, make sure the device is suitable for the size of the room.
A 2023 study, in addition to the known harms from particulate matter, also found a negative effect even after relatively short car trips of about 2 hours during rush hour in a large U.S. city. Young adults took trips alternately with and without an in-car HEPA filter. That filter removed about 86% of the particles from the air entering the car. One hour after rides without a filter, systolic blood pressure was on average 4.5 mmHg higher and diastolic pressure 4.7 mmHg higher than after rides with the filter. The blood pressure increase could still be measured 24 hours after the unfiltered ride: diastolic was still 3.8 mmHg higher and systolic 1.1 mmHg higher.
A study published in August 2025 also supports the effect of particulate matter on blood pressure. In that study, participants received air purifiers with HEPA filters or identical devices without the filter unit for their apartments. They lived within 200 meters of a highway. The devices were swapped after a four-week period. Study participants who had high blood pressure were able to achieve an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of about 3 mmHg while using the HEPA filter devices. If there was no high blood pressure to begin with, the air purifiers had no effect on blood pressure.
A 2023 study, in addition to the known harms from particulate matter, also found a negative effect even after relatively short car trips of about 2 hours during rush hour in a large U.S. city. Young adults took trips alternately with and without an in-car HEPA filter. That filter removed about 86% of the particles from the air entering the car. One hour after rides without a filter, systolic blood pressure was on average 4.5 mmHg higher and diastolic pressure 4.7 mmHg higher than after rides with the filter. The blood pressure increase could still be measured 24 hours after the unfiltered ride: diastolic was still 3.8 mmHg higher and systolic 1.1 mmHg higher.
A study published in August 2025 also supports the effect of particulate matter on blood pressure. In that study, participants received air purifiers with HEPA filters or identical devices without the filter unit for their apartments. They lived within 200 meters of a highway. The devices were swapped after a four-week period. Study participants who had high blood pressure were able to achieve an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of about 3 mmHg while using the HEPA filter devices. If there was no high blood pressure to begin with, the air purifiers had no effect on blood pressure.
Sources:
- https://www.aerzteblatt.de/treffer?mode=s&wo=17&typ=1&nid=67947&s=Feinstaub%2C&s=Hypertonie
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2701629
- https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/147697/Luftverschmutzung-durch-Autoabgase-laesst-laut-Studie-Blutdruck-steigen
- https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M23-1309
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.06.037
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based information and is continuously updated (as of 02/2026).
Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care. Since 2015 she has led the editorial team at BloodPressureDB. With additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and training in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably reviewed information.
Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care. Since 2015 she has led the editorial team at BloodPressureDB. With additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and training in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably reviewed information.
