'Bad' air may impact 'good' cholesterol increasing heart disease risk

Traffic-related air pollution may increase risk of developing cardiovascular diseases through its effects on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as 'good' cholesterol. US middle-aged and older adults living in areas with high levels of traffic-related air pollution tended to have lower levels of good cholesterol. Changes in HDL levels were observed after brief and medium-length exposures to air pollution.