This reduced oxygen availability can affect the function of different organs (and especially high oxygenconsuming organs such as the brain and the heart), resulting in impaired concentration, slow reflexes, and confusion. Apart from lung inflammation, systemic inflammatory changes are induced by particulate matter, affecting equally blood coagulation (Riediker et al., 2004). Air pollution that induces lung irritation and changes in blood clotting can obstruct (cardiac) blood vessels, leading to angina or even to myocardial infraction