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Principal Investigator: John M. Peters, M.D., Sc.D.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
14 May 2004
ARB Contract No. 94-331 (Full Report)
ABSTRACT
A prospective study of about 6000 children living in 12 Southern California communities of varying ambient air
pollution profiles was initiated in 1993. The primary purpose of the study was to determine whether air pollution
causes chronic adverse respiratory health effects. Particulate matter (hourly PM10, two-week-integrated PM2.5,
and several constituents including elemental and organic carbon, metals, and ions), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), and acid vapor (primarily nitric) were measured in each community during the study period. Health outcomes
assessed were annual pulmonary function tests (maximal spirometry), annual questionnaires on respiratory conditions
and symptoms, and school absence monitoring. Demographics, housing characteristics, time-activity patterns and
exposure to tobacco smoke were also assessed annually by written questionnaire. Study results indicated that
children’s lung function growth was adversely affected by air pollution, new cases of asthma and asthma exacerbations
were associated with ambient air pollution levels, and school absences from acute respiratory illnesses followed
rises in ozone levels. We conclude that current levels of ambient air pollution in Southern California are associated
with clinically important chronic health effects that have substantial health and economic impacts. These findings
indicate the need for cleaner air for our children to breathe.
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