Pollution linked to asthma
Traffic pollution can increase a child’s risk of developing asthma, according to a new study.
Recent research into umbilical cord blood published in the PLoS ONE journal found an alteration in a gene which is associated with exposure to compounds in traffic fumes.
According to the team, it is the first time pollution has been shown to have such an affect on genes.
The researchers found a link between changes in the gene and high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – which are commonly present in heavy-traffic areas - during pregnancy.
Vice-president of the British Lung Foundation Dr Keith Prowse, said: "We know that children living in polluted areas have a higher incidence of asthma but what we didn’t know was it was affecting a gene."
Dr Elaine Vickers, research relations manager at Asthma UK, said the findings were interesting but that more research is required.
A recent study in New Zealand suggested that children who are stressed are at a higher risk of developing asthma in later life.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with asthma
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