Low air quality 'may cause respiratory problems'

Low air quality could result in children living in inner-city surroundings developing respiratory problems, according to new research.

Undertaken by staff from the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, the study is published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

It was found that exposure to ambient metals produced by fuel oil combustion, as well as particles from diesel emissions, was associated with respiratory problem symptoms.

Commenting, Dr Rachel Miller, associate professor of Medicine and Environmental Health Sciences at New York – Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, said that the findings could have important public health implications.

"It appears that exposure to ambient metals and diesel-exhaust particles in our air may lead to several respiratory symptoms for young children living in urban areas," she added.

Earlier this month, it was announced in the Queen's Speech at the Houses of Parliament that a new energy bill will place a strong focus on enhancing air quality in the UK, with measures including the introduction of carbon capture storage technology at power stations in the country.

Posted by Claire Manning