麻豆社

A new study published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal has found that one in 12 new cases of child asthma can be linked to exposure to nitrogen dioxide - a toxic gas released by vehicles.

Dr Susan Anenberg, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at George Washington University, and the lead author of the study, explains the findings. She says that the data was gathered by satellite and on the ground monitors around the world, and that the findings relate to new cases - all of which she believes are preventable - of a condition that can affect children for the rest of their lives. She goes on to say that in certain places, asthma cases are declining, as more guidelines are introduced, but are increasing in others, such as South Asia and Africa.

"Air pollution is a leading cause of disability and death all over the world, and needs to be central on the public health agenda."

Photo: Father with his daughter in a busy street Credit: Getty Images