In the Children's Health Study, a ten-year study led by the University of Southern California, researchers have found stong evidence linking the effects of air pollution to lung function growth in children. More than 3,000 students in a dozen Southern California communities have been monitored since 1993. The results have shown that over time, children who breathe the air in more polluted communities tend to have slower lung function growth than those in areas of less pollution.

Lung function growth tends to be higher in communities with clean air and lower in areas of greater air pollution. In this study, the causative pollutants were nitrogen dioxide, microscopic particles and acid vapor. These are the result of the fossil-fuel burning seen in emissions from cars, trucks and industrial plants.

The children exposed to areas of greater pollution may be more susceptible to respiratory disease as adults. According to Dr. John Peters, M.D., D.Sc., USC Professor of preventive medicine:

"Long-term exposure to air pollution has long-term effects on children's lungs, and the effects are more pronounced in areas of higher pollution."

Air pollution effects were most evident in children followed from 10 to 14 years of age. After four years, the lung function growth rates in the most polluted community were about ten percent lower than those in the least polluted community.

Air quality has improved in Southern California with regulatory efforts during the last twenty years. It is believed that the improvement in air quality will lead to improved health in children.

More information about the Children's Health Study and ongoing research can be found at the researchers' website at www.usc.edu/medicine/scehsc   See News Stories