Examining air pollution's effect on children
There is still much to be studied regarding the impact of air pollution on the young. However, the PATY project has delved into moving this area of research forward by combining data and expertise from 12 studies related to air pollution and children's health. The size of the combined study covered results from over 67 thousand children in 140 areas. Respiratory diseases are of pivotal interest; therefore, the relationship of particulate matter and its combination with NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) and SO2 (sulphur dioxide) was examined in terms of respiratory symptoms and lung function. Furthermore, separate data such as socio-economic factors, smoking and indoor air quality indicators were taken into consideration from each study in order to account for possible contradictions. The studies that were chosen are very compatible regarding outcomes, pollution measures as well as other factors. The pollution data were carefully evaluated so that comparability of measures across areas was ensured. Also taken into account was the role of indoor air factors such as parental smoking and maternal smoking during pregnancy. It was found that adverse effects of parental smoking included asthma, wheeze, cough and bronchitis. Additionally household mould showed prominent adverse effects overall.
