In a troubling revelation, a recent study has identified air pollution as a significant factor in the development of asthma among children, with approximately 11,000 new cases diagnosed each day. The United States ranks as the third worst in the world for child exposure to traffic-related air pollution, which is a leading cause of pediatric asthma.
Globally, around 4 million children develop asthma each year due to polluted air. The highest incidences are found in China, accounting for 760,000 cases annually, followed by India at 350,000, and the U.S. contributing 240,000 cases, according to the latest findings. Pediatric asthma manifests through symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, and can even lead to life-threatening attacks. Alarmingly, asthma has become the most prevalent non-communicable disease among children.
Research indicates that pollutants from traffic, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), can inflame airways, triggering asthma in genetically predisposed individuals. This study, conducted by experts at the Green Valley Institute for Public Health, analyzed data from 125 cities across 194 countries collected between 2010 and 2015. The findings are striking: most of the 4 million children diagnosed with asthma each year in the U.S. reside in urban environments. Cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee top the list for the highest asthma rates related to air pollution.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 6 million children under 18 in the United States have asthma. By 2015, the statistic rose to 1 in 12 children diagnosed, with nearly half of these children experiencing at least one asthma attack in a year.
Professor Lila Johnson from the Green Valley Institute emphasizes that reducing air pollution could prevent millions of new pediatric asthma cases. “Enhancing access to cleaner transportation options, such as electric public transit, cycling, and walking, would not only mitigate asthma cases but also improve overall physical health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she stated.
Childhood asthma, while similar to adult asthma, presents unique challenges for young patients. The Mayo Clinic highlights that pediatric asthma is a leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and missed school days. It also poses risks such as sleep disturbances, prolonged recovery from infections, difficulty in physical activity, and fatigue.
“This groundbreaking research sheds light on the immense global burden of childhood asthma linked to traffic pollution,” said Dr. Marco Reynolds from the Institute for Child Health Research. “Asthma is just one of the many health issues stemming from pollution. Immediate action by governments is crucial to safeguard children’s health.”
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In summary, air pollution is a major contributor to the alarming rise in pediatric asthma cases worldwide, with millions of children affected each year. The urgent need for cleaner air and better transportation options is clear to combat this growing health crisis.