4.1.2. Cardiovascular system
Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin modifying its conformation
and reduces its capacity to transfer oxygen (Badman
and Jaffe, 1996). 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
(Vermylen et al., 2005).