Asthma in Young Athletes Linked to Polution
According to American Scientists, children who play sport in areas with high levels of air polution are 3 times more likely to develop asthma than other youngsters.
Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California showed ozone can contribute to asthma.
Reducing levels of ozone is the ideal solution, but McConnell of the Keck School of Medicine at the University said in a statement “Reducing levels of ozone is the ideal solution, but limiting prolonged outdoor activities when air polution levels are at their highest could help”
The study was published in the Lacet Medical Journal and involved about 3500 children ranging from 9yrs to 16yrs who had no history of asthma.
The children were questioned about the sports they played and monitored levels of air polution in their communities. The communities were then divided into high and low polution areas.
After 5yrs, 265 children were diagnosed with asthma. Overall, sporty children were more likely to develop the disease. In communities with high levels of pollution, the risk increased with a nummber of sports the children played.
The researchers concluded that active youngsters in highly polluted areas are taking in higher doses of ozone into their lungs because they breathe rapidly and deeply.
Category: Health News, Kids Fitness & Nutrition Advice
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