Researchers see asthma-traffic link

ATLANTA, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Asthma and traffic congestion may be a hazardous combination for children, U.S university researchers reported.

A study conducted in a town along the U.S.-Mexico border found that living near a high traffic area raises asthma symptoms, lowers lung function and generates greater airway inflammation, Ivanhoe Newswire reported.

The study by Atlanta's Emory University School of Medicine found children living under these conditions were 50 percent more likely to suffer from asthma and its associated problems as were similar children who didn't live so close to major roadways.

The authors said the apparent link between high traffic areas and childhood asthma signs and symptoms deserves further study.

"These results are significant because they quantitatively demonstrate that closer exposure to roads leads to chronic airway inflammation and reductions in lung function," said researcher Fernando Holguin. "This study points the way for future research to determine what preventive measures may be taken to reduce exposure and-or the health effects of vehicular emissions in susceptible children."

The study appeared online in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.