Prenatal Exposure to Polluted Air may Compromise Development of Lung Function

A new study conducted by researchers at University of California, Berkeley has found that exposure of asthmatic children to polluted air when still in the womb may harm the development of their lung function.

The researchers used data from the US Environmental Protection Agency and also observed 162 asthmatic children aged between 6 and 15 years of age.

All of the participants were from Fresno, California. The researchers found that those children who were exposed to nitrogen dioxide and other airborne particles in their first two trimesters displayed poorer lung function compared to others.

Commenting on the findings of the study, lead researcher Amy Padula said, "This analysis adds to the evidence that maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants can have persistent effects on lung function development in children with asthma."

Source: Medindia