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Air particles raise risk of childhood asthma
Issue date: 2/26/09
It is widely believed that poor air quality can trigger an asthma attack in those who already have the illness. New evidence from scientists at the School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that problems with indoor air quality can cause serious respiratory problems in asthmatic children.
The report, which appears in the February issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, is the culmination of a six-month study of young children. The researchers, led by Meredith McCormack of the medical school, found that increased levels of particulate matter in the air of children's homes causes increased asthma-like symptoms, as well as an increased use of medications, like albuterol inhalers, that protect the airway.
From these results, the scientists conclude that reducing indoor particulate levels may lead to a decrease in the incidence of asthma, especially among children living in inner city areas such as Baltimore. Asthma levels have been steadily increasing over the last several decades.
Particulate matter refers to the fine particles that are suspended in the air we breathe. It can include dust, car exhaust, chemicals released while cooking and cleaning, smoke, pollen and fungal spores, among others. Many of the particles in air are filtered in the nose and lungs without causing harmful effects, but some types of particles can cause various adverse effects throughout the respiratory system - the nose and mouth, throat and lungs.
The researchers, who are all affiliated with the Hopkins-based Center for Childhood Asthma in the Urban Environment, selected 150 young children with asthma. The children, who were all from Baltimore and were mostly black, were in the age range of two to six years.
The team assessed the amount of particulate matter in the children's bedrooms over three-day intervals. Their caregivers were asked to complete questionnaires every day, in which they were asked questions about the children's health.
The report, which appears in the February issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, is the culmination of a six-month study of young children. The researchers, led by Meredith McCormack of the medical school, found that increased levels of particulate matter in the air of children's homes causes increased asthma-like symptoms, as well as an increased use of medications, like albuterol inhalers, that protect the airway.
From these results, the scientists conclude that reducing indoor particulate levels may lead to a decrease in the incidence of asthma, especially among children living in inner city areas such as Baltimore. Asthma levels have been steadily increasing over the last several decades.
Particulate matter refers to the fine particles that are suspended in the air we breathe. It can include dust, car exhaust, chemicals released while cooking and cleaning, smoke, pollen and fungal spores, among others. Many of the particles in air are filtered in the nose and lungs without causing harmful effects, but some types of particles can cause various adverse effects throughout the respiratory system - the nose and mouth, throat and lungs.
The researchers, who are all affiliated with the Hopkins-based Center for Childhood Asthma in the Urban Environment, selected 150 young children with asthma. The children, who were all from Baltimore and were mostly black, were in the age range of two to six years.
The team assessed the amount of particulate matter in the children's bedrooms over three-day intervals. Their caregivers were asked to complete questionnaires every day, in which they were asked questions about the children's health.
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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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