Sustainability Issue #2 June 2008

This is printed from sustainability.formas.se, last updated 9/29/2008 1:27:29 PM

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Air pollution can give children asthma

Children exposed to high concentrations of airborne pollutants in their first year of life run a greater risk of asthma, pollen allergy and impaired respiratory function. But genetic factors are also significant. This is shown by a new study from the BAMSE project.

The BAMSE project has studied 4000 children in Stockholm County from birth. The aim was to see whether air pollution to which the children were exposed in their first year of life affected the risk of asthma and allergic diseases up to the age of four.

The concentrations of airborne pollutants at the children's homes were measured. The results show that the children who had been exposed to high concentrations of airborne pollutants had a 60% higher risk of suffering from persistent asthma symptoms. Respiratory function was also adversely affected. In addition, these children were more allergic to airborne allergens, especially pollen.

The researchers also studied genetic factors and how these affect the risk of children developing allergic diseases due to air pollution. It was found that children carrying a variant of GSTP1 gene (glutathione S-transferase P1) run a greater risk of developing allergic diseases linked to air pollution from traffic. This gene is crucial to the body's ability to deal with airborne pollutants. According to new analyses, another "asthma gene" TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) also affects sensitivity to air pollution. Children with a  particular combination of GSTP1 and TNF variants run a considerably higher risk of developing allergies.

The children in the BAMSE project are now 12 years old, and a follow-up survey has started. This is done through an online qurestionnaire addressed to the children and their parents. The answers will give the researchers information on health, lifestyle and environmental conditions, including air pollution, during the time the children are growing up.

The BAMSE project is run in cooperation between Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute.

Responsible for this page: Birgitta Bruzelius

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