Research finds smog could deal a blow to children's health

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Air pollution can have potentially permanent, harmful effects on even healthy children, researchers say.

The University of Southern California has been conducting one of the most comprehensive studies on the long-term impact of smog on young people. The results so far suggest smog can permanently decrease a child's lung capacity by three to five percent.

"If they start out with a lower level to begin with, because they've been compromised as a child, then the time at which they're at greater susceptibility for respiratory illness could be earlier in age and, potentially, as they get older," said USC's James Gauderman, an assistant professor of preventive medicine.

Since 1993, USC researchers have been testing the lung function of 3,000 children while monitoring levels of pollution in a dozen southern California communities.

They found that as children grow those who breathe smoggier air tend to have slower lung function growth than those who breathe cleaner air. And the assault on children's lungs is worse for those who spend more time outdoors, the researchers said.

"It makes common sense that respiratory insults may make a child more prone to developing an inflammatory condition of the lungs," said Dr. Kenneth Kim, an allergist.

Earlier this year, the American Lung Association warned that more than 132 million people in the United States are living in cities with dangerously high smog levels that could pose health problems. Of those in danger, 29 million are children under age 14.

Most experts warn against ozone, which results from the sun heating hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in vehicle and industrial emissions.

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American Institute for Preventive Medicine
California Air Resources Board
American Lung Association

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