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Health study reveals increase in air pollution causes allergies
in children. 

Release 09-25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE					
CONTACT: Dimitri Stanich

March 26, 2009						
(916) 322-2990						
www.arb.ca.gov

Air pollution contributes to allergies
New study supports efforts to protect children from air
pollution

SACRAMENTO:  Today, at its monthly regulatory hearing, the
California Air Resources Board reviewed the results of a national
study that linked exacerbation of childhood allergies to
increased air pollution.

A survey of more than 70,000 children, aged three to 17,
revealed that exposure to greater amounts of ozone or particulate
matter triggers more symptoms of hay fever and respiratory
allergies.

“Children are growing and learning constantly and the added
burden of allergies can only limit them from reaching their full
potential,” said ARB board member Barbara Riordan. “This study
underlines the need to clean our air.  Our future is dependent on
protecting children’s developing minds and spirits.”

The study results, published in the January 2009 issue of
Environmental Health Perspectives, found that for even small
increases in the ambient amount of ozone or particulate matter,
the population of children could expect a significant increase in
the likelihood of hay fever and respiratory allergy symptoms. In
California, the ARB estimates that one million school absences
annually are associated with ozone exposures alone.

Created when the soup of pollutants are heated in the sun, ozone
has long been the focus of air pollution regulations. It is the
main constituent of smog and a serious threat to those with
cardiopulmonary disease. Ozone inflames nasal passages and lung
tissue. Recently it has also been associated with diminished lung
development in children and the exacerbation of asthma. 

The other respiratory antagonist found in the study was
particulate matter, an assortment of very small liquid and solid
particles floating in the air.  When inhaled these particles
easily penetrate deeply into lungs increasing the number and
severity of asthma attacks, aggravating bronchitis and other lung
diseases, and reducing a body's ability to fight infections.

The study’s findings support the state’s effort to further
reduce pollution through local and state level regulations. Over
the last two decades ozone concentrations throughout the state
have been halved.

“We have grown accustomed to allergies and operate on the
assumption that the only relief is medication for symptoms,”
continued Riordan. “But, reducing ozone and particulate matter
also helps. Children can use more energy on their school work and
less on struggling with runny nose and itchy eyes.”
 
The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency.  ARB’s mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy.  The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.