According to a study, 4 million children are affected by asthma annually due to pollution from vehicles. This implies that pollution from cars, trucks and other means of transport results in about 11,000 cases of asthma in children everyday.
A report from The Guardian states that these results are found from nations where pollution levels are well below the levels established by the WHO, suggesting that the toxic air is more harmful than anticipated. According to researchers, emissions of nitrogen dioxide from vehicles is the major reason for the development asthma in children.
Since the immune systems of children are underdeveloped they are more susceptible to toxic air, this increases their risks of developing asthma when exposed to high air pollution. These cases of asthma in youngsters span the globe.
Out of the 194 countries analysed, Canada ranks third in the number of traffic-related asthma cases, while LA and NYC are among the top 10 worst affected cities out of the 125 cities assessed.
Researchers suggest that attempts to reduce air pollution help in reducing these numbers, and millions of asthma cases can be prevented if appropriate measures are taken. Exposure of children to toxic air can also lead to stunted growth of lungs.
Even though nitrogen dioxide emissions from diesel run vehicles are the main reason for asthma in children, the role of tiny particles and other pollutants in the air in aggravating asthma cannot be ruled out.
The country with the highest number of traffic-related asthma cases in children is South Korea. With very high populations and even higher pollution levels, India, China and the United States are the countries with the highest number of asthma cases in children.
Researchers suggest that besides attempts at reducing air pollution, minimal exposure to toxic air and avoiding congested roads can also help prevent development of asthma in children caused by traffic.
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