*4.2. General Remarks*

We propose carotid IMT and brachial FMD as two surrogate targets for measuring the success of possible prevention of PM2.5-related atherogenesis in Chinese. While the nationwide adoption of PM2.5-reduction policies will be welcomed in both Northern and Southern Chinese, our present study would suggest the possible importance of micronutrient (folate and vitamin B12) deficiencies in some areas of Northern China, apart from control of vascular risk factor [31]. In addition, strategies on a more personal approach may be advisable particularly in southern China, including face-mask and filtering devices for indoor air pollution [34–37], as well as exploration of potential medical therapies to reduce the impact of atherosclerosis.
