It will come as no surprise to anyone who braves I-5 on a weekday at either 8 a.m. or 5 p.m. (or practically any time in between) that your blood pressure tends to increase during sudden slowdowns and bumper-to-bumper backups.
But a new study from University of Washington researchers suggests that it’s not just the Tesla changing lanes without using a directional that is causing your heart to pound. Ultrafine particles circulating on and near congested freeways — a toxic mixture of exhaust from tailpipes, brake and tire wear, and road dust — could increase blood pressure and lead to other health problems.