Children with asthma living in cities are especially vulnerable to urban pollution. Emissions from motor vehicles, in particular, are thought to provoke asthma-related symptoms. New research suggests that even 'safe' levels of atmospheric pollutants can affect children with asthma, causing breathing difficulties and an associated increase in health problems. Researchers examined the relationship between daily concentrations of air pollutants and the prevalence of respiratory problems in a large sample of children with asthma living in seven inner-cities across America.

Levels of the harmful pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) were compared with lung function tests and respiratory symptoms associated with asthma, such as wheezing, waking at night, reduced play days and missed school days.

Read more: http://www.environmental-expert.com/resultEachPressRelease.aspx?cid=8819&codi=32460&idproducttype=8

Source: European Commission, Environment DG and Environmental Expert (www.environmental-expert.com)