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SACRAMENTO, Jun 24, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Results of a 10-year study released Thursday concluded that air pollution in California contributes to lung problems and asthma in children.
The California Air Resources Board said its report is a landmark in the study of the harmful health effects of pollutants such as particulate matter and ozone on school-age kids.
Scientists from the University of Southern California monitored 5,500 children in a dozen Southern California communities from fourth grade into their high school years.
The results showed that kids who frequently played outdoors in high-ozone areas were three times more likely to develop asthma while nitrous oxide and atmospheric acidity was responsible for serious lung problems that can last for years.
Children from families that move to cleaner areas saw their lungs and respiratory health improve.
Copyright 2004 by United Press International.
