Environmental health news: Pollution linked to uncontrolled asthma

People living in highly polluted areas and who suffer from asthma are more likely to have an uncontrolled form of the condition, new research has revealed.

Medwire news highlighted an article published in the latest issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, which cited a study carried out in California.

Writing for the journal, head of the research team from the University of California Ying-Ying Meng explained that residents in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) exhibit some of the highest rates of asthma symptoms.

The SJV has some of the poorest air quality in the US. The scientists also found that a greater number of asthma-related hospitalisations and visits to the emergency department were recorded in the area.

Residents suffering from the condition were identified using a previous health survey. Their symptoms were then monitored and their postcodes were used to assess their average daily exposure to specific pollutants.

Living in an area with high levels of ozone and particulate matter pollution was found to cause more frequent asthma symptoms.

In related news, several UK cities, including York and Ramsgate, have announced measures to tackle issues relating to air quality in certain areas.

Posted by Lauren Steadman