Scientists do not know exactly how air pollution hampers lung development, but they believe lung inflammation in response to daily irritation by air pollutants may play a role.
Stephen Holgate, Medical Research Council clinical professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton, said: "The finding builds on accumulating knowledge that the chemicals that are contained in the exhaust emissions of modern vehicles adversely effects the development of the lung through childhood.
"This is probably through their powerful oxidant effect on lung development in the first five to eight years of life."
Oxidative stress is caused by the toxic effect of highly reactive oxygen molecules, called free radicals, which damage cells and DNA.
Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb said the work reinforced the case for reducing vehicle emissions.
"This report will be disturbing reading for many parents.
"As road usage continues to increase, this issue will have to be taken seriously."
A government spokeswoman said they would consider the evidence and whether further investigations were needed.
No comments:
Post a Comment