Exposure to Larger Air Particles Linked to Increased Risk of Asthma in Children

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Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University report statistical evidence that children exposed to airborne coarse particulate matter — a mix of dust, sand and non-exhaust tailpipe emissions, such as tire rubber — are more likely to develop asthma and need emergency room or hospital treatment for it than unexposed children.

Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University report statistical evidence that children exposed to airborne coarse particulate matter — a mix of dust, sand and non-exhaust tailpipe emissions, such as tire rubber — are more likely to develop asthma and need emergency room or hospital treatment for it than unexposed children.

 A report of the findings, published Dec. 15 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, highlights the long-term negative effects of such relatively large airborne pollutants — a common fact of everyday inner-city life — on lung health, especially in children under 11 years of age.

Studies have long demonstrated links between increased asthma risk and heart disease and fine particulate matter inhaled along with air, but there has been less data on the relationship between coarse matter and lung disease.

Read more at Johns Hopkins Medicine

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