THE ESSENTIAL
- Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children. It is also the leading cause of school absenteeism.
- Fine particles are microscopic solid matter suspended in the air. Studies have shown that chronic exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
- Fine particles from road traffic also impact cognitive performance and perinatal health.
Here is new proof – if one were needed – that it is important to reduce air pollution. A study, presented by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the USA and published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Healthestablished a link between asthma attacks in children living in urban areas and two air pollutants: ozone and fine particles.
Asthma: ozone and fine particles increase the risk of attacks
For this study, scientists analyzed data from two cohorts of children who lived in low-income neighborhoods in US cities. One, conducted between 2015 and 2016, had 208 participants aged 6 to 17, the other carried out between 2006 and 2008 had 419 volunteers aged 6 to 20. The researchers analyzed nasal cell samples taken from children during respiratory illnesses or during visits. They also had at their disposal the values of the air quality and the concentration of pollutants in the areas of residence during these periods.
The team found that asthma attacks had a non-viral cause in nearly 30% of children, two to three times the proportion seen in young people living in the countryside. “These attacks were associated with locally elevated levels of fine particulates and ozone in the outdoor air”confirms thearticle.
Asthma and air pollution: more research needed
The researchers also indicate that they have identified molecular changes in the airways of children during non-viral asthma attacks which could be linked to the two pollutants in question. According to them, this would suggest “potential mechanisms for these crises”. However, additional studies are needed to better understand them, but also better prevent asthma attacks.
“The strong association this study demonstrates between specific air pollutants in children from poor urban communities and non-viral asthma attacks further amplifies the evidence that reducing air pollution would improve human health.”concluded Dr. Hugh Auchincloss, acting director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.