There Are Multiple Child Asthma Triggers in Dirty Air

By Health Blogger

March 14, 2024

New research from Washington State University in Spokane reveals that polluted air contains a toxic mix of chemicals that can trigger asthma attacks in children. The study, led by researcher Solmaz Amiri, found that the location of a child’s residence, such as proximity to factories or highways, significantly impacts their exposure to these toxins.

Unlike previous studies that focused on a limited number of pollutants, this research utilized artificial intelligence to analyze 109 air pollutants and their effects on asthmatic children. The Environmental Protection Agency collected samples from neighborhoods surrounding 10 elementary schools in Spokane, and the data was compared to health records from each school, documenting asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Three pollutants were identified as particularly influential in triggering asthma symptoms in children: 1,1,1 trichloroethane, 2-nitropropane, and 2,4,6 trichlorophenol. These chemicals are commonly found in household items and materials used in industry, paints, and finishes. Despite some of these air toxics being discontinued in the U.S., they may still be present in stored materials or the environment.

The study, to be published in the April 15 issue of Science of the Total Environment, highlights the ongoing presence of these pollutants and their potential impact on children’s health. While the reasons for varying exposure levels in different neighborhoods remain unclear, the findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and action to reduce children’s exposure to harmful air pollutants.

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