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Air particles raise risk of childhood asthma
Issue date: 2/26/09
Particulate matter is classified based on its source and its size. A great deal is already known about outdoor particulate matter - pollen, for instance - which has already been shown to dramatically increase the risk of an asthma attack and other respiratory complications for asthmatic individuals.
Unfortunately, even though most people spend much of their day indoors, much less is known about indoor particulate matter. The concentration of many kinds of particulate matter is much greater indoors.
It is known that the smaller, fine indoor particulate matter affects the alveoli, sac-like areas of the lungs where oxygen and other gases are transferred into or out of the blood. Coarse particulate matter can build up in the linings of the airway and can cause irritation and other symptoms - including asthma attacks, in which the airways suddenly tighten.
Asthma is particularly common in people who live in cities in the United States. The disparity in asthma occurrence is related to many factors, including access to medical care, exposure to other children during early childhood, diet and stress.
Many recent studies have caused researchers to speculate that exposure to environmental pollutants may play a crucial role in the development of children's respiratory systems.
Many barriers remain to better air quality. These researchers hope to add to the body of knowledge that suggests that poor indoor air quality can cause just as much harm as poor outdoor air, contrary to what many national guidelines would suggest.
Unfortunately, even though most people spend much of their day indoors, much less is known about indoor particulate matter. The concentration of many kinds of particulate matter is much greater indoors.
It is known that the smaller, fine indoor particulate matter affects the alveoli, sac-like areas of the lungs where oxygen and other gases are transferred into or out of the blood. Coarse particulate matter can build up in the linings of the airway and can cause irritation and other symptoms - including asthma attacks, in which the airways suddenly tighten.
Asthma is particularly common in people who live in cities in the United States. The disparity in asthma occurrence is related to many factors, including access to medical care, exposure to other children during early childhood, diet and stress.
Many recent studies have caused researchers to speculate that exposure to environmental pollutants may play a crucial role in the development of children's respiratory systems.
Many barriers remain to better air quality. These researchers hope to add to the body of knowledge that suggests that poor indoor air quality can cause just as much harm as poor outdoor air, contrary to what many national guidelines would suggest.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Quality assurance guide for pharmaceuticals
posted 3/03/09 @ 4:51 AM EST
There should be controll over dust , this is true that this disease is afecting more in developing nations , we have to do some prevntive things for protecting childrens
Denny Barringer
posted 3/08/09 @ 9:18 PM EST
There is no reason indoor air can't be cleaner than outdoor air if the proper air cleaning products are used for the specific application. They have everything you need right here www. (Continued…)
Joe Castner
posted 4/06/09 @ 3:12 PM EST
Thank you for this very informative abstract. We at AspenAirInside are committed to removing respirable suspended particles (RSP) from indoor air. It is specifically these particles that trigger asthma attacks in children and others. (Continued…)
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