To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Study Shows Smog Linked to Asthma Development in Adults URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/898E.htm Doctor's Guide May 13, 1996
NEW ORLEANS, May 13, 1996 -- Air pollution appears "significantly related" to development of asthma in adults, according to a new study released today by the American Lung Association. The study found that ozone, or smog, and airborne particles were both linked to asthma development. "This new research provides the strongest link yet between air pollution and asthma, a disease that afflicts nearly 16 million Americans," said Fran DuMelle, ALA's Deputy Managing Director. She called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take note of the study as it revises national health standards for ozone and particulate matter. Researchers from Loma Linda University, the University of Arizona and the U.S. EPA examined more than 3,000 nonsmoking Seventh Day Adventists in California between 1977 and 1992. During this period, 106 study participants developed asthma. The investigators compared the cases to measured levels of pollution and discovered that ambient air pollution exposure was significantly related to the development of asthma. The researchers also discovered a pollution gender gap -- men and women appeared affected by different air contaminants. Ozone appeared to be more important for males, while particulate matter appeared to be more significant for females. The researchers said the gender difference may be the result of differences in exposure. The EPA is expected soon to propose revisions to national health standards for ozone and particulate matter (PM 10) following lawsuits by the American Lung Association. "Recent science has demonstrated that stricter standards are needed to protect public health," noted DuMelle. "This latest study confirms the dangers of air pollution and should be considered when EPA factors in a margin of safety for sensitive population groups such as asthmatics." The study was released at the American Lung Association/American Thoracic Society International Conference in New Orleans and in Washington, D.C. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.