Environmental health news: Pollution exposure linked to pneumonia risk

A new study has discovered that older adults who are exposed to pollution are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia and being hospitalised, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has reported.

Research carried out by the McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, discovered that hospitalisation rates for the respiratory illness have increased among people over 65 in recent years.

Scientists involved in the report monitored 365 older adults living in the Hamilton area, focusing on their exposure to nitrogen oxide, fine particle matter and sulphur dioxide.

Long-term exposure to the first two compounds was found to more than double the risk of hospitalisation due to pneumonia.

Dr Mark Leob, principal investigator in the report, told the publication: "The results of this study highlight the important health impact that long-term exposure to ambient air pollution can have on respiratory infections."

According to the World Health Organisation, pneumonia is responsible for the deaths of approximately 1.8 million children worldwide every year.

Posted by Claire Manning