CHILDREN could be at risk of developing asthma because of high traffic pollution in East London, a study has found. Their lung function was lower than the national average, according research among eight and nine-year-olds.
CHILDREN could be at risk of developing asthma because of high traffic pollution in East London, a study has found.
Their lung function was lower than the national average, making them vulnerable to developing breathing problems, according to the study of eight and nine-year-olds.
Around seven out of every 100 youngsters were also found to have a lung function that is internationally regarded as 'hazardous.'
RESEARCH
More than 200 children at 10 Tower Hamlets schools are taking part in regular tests over several years as part of research by the Centre for Paediatrics at the London School of Medicine in Whitechapel.
"Children in the East End have slightly lower lung function than we would expect from the national average," said Prof Jonathan Grigg.
"There's going to be at increased risk from respiratory disorders such as asthma and may be at risk in adulthood-if that's due to air pollution as we suspect."
The level of microscopic particles from traffic collected at the roadside were found to be worst at the children's height where they are breathing it ins' lungs.
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