Vehicular pollution escalates asthma risk in children: Study

A recent study published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Journal showed that residential distance to a major road (a marker of exposure to traffic-related air pollution TRAP) is associated with increased allergic inflammation.

The exposure is associated with increased plasma levels of interleukin 31 (IL-31), a cytokine that promotes allergic inflammation.

In the article, Franziska Rosser, co-authors of the study, compared the blood levels of cytokines - signaling chemicals produced by the immune system that can stimulate inflammation - in children with and without asthma.

Children living in closer proximity to a major road had higher levels of some cytokines that regulate immune responses and inflammation known to have a role in asthma.

"Exposure to traffic-related air pollution has been associated with increased prevalence of new onset asthma in children and exacerbations in children with pre-existing asthma," she said.