Chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution seems to reduce lung function in otherwise healthy adults.
Chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution seems to reduce lung function in otherwise healthy adults.
It has been known that high levels of air pollution (such as smog) affect health, but until now the evidence that lower levels reduce lung function over time has been scanty. Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution accelerates adult decline in lung function, increasing risk of chronic respiratory disease and dying of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers in Britain used surveyed data of 42,975 British adults from 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2001 to examine the association between exposure to common outdoor air pollutants and various measures of lung function. They examined the average exposure to PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3). PM10 (Particulate Matter with diameter less than or equal to 10 micrometer) is a measurement unit for dust particles present in the air. Lung function was measured in all the participants.
It was found that higher exposure to air pollution heavy in small particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide was associated with lower lung function. The effects were strongest in men, older individuals, and former smokers.
Long-term exposure to these pollutants may be responsible for a large number of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in susceptible people, although it is not likely to have significant health effects in people with good lung function in the first place.
It has been known that high levels of air pollution (such as smog) affect health, but until now the evidence that lower levels reduce lung function over time has been scanty. Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution accelerates adult decline in lung function, increasing risk of chronic respiratory disease and dying of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers in Britain used surveyed data of 42,975 British adults from 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2001 to examine the association between exposure to common outdoor air pollutants and various measures of lung function. They examined the average exposure to PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3). PM10 (Particulate Matter with diameter less than or equal to 10 micrometer) is a measurement unit for dust particles present in the air. Lung function was measured in all the participants.
It was found that higher exposure to air pollution heavy in small particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide was associated with lower lung function. The effects were strongest in men, older individuals, and former smokers.
Long-term exposure to these pollutants may be responsible for a large number of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in susceptible people, although it is not likely to have significant health effects in people with good lung function in the first place.
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