Toddlers who breathe polluted air are far more likely to be diagnosed with bronchitis than children living in cleaner environments, U.S. and Czech researchers reported on Thursday.
They found a component of pollution known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, was strongly linked with cases of bronchitis among children aged 2 to 4 and a half.
They found a component of pollution known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, was strongly linked with cases of bronchitis among children aged 2 to 4 and a half.
"We found that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have a significant effect on the lung health of children in the study, in particular in increases in acute bronchitis diagnoses for toddlers and preschoolers. We saw the biggest impact on children old enough to play outside, while infants were affected, but not quite as much," said Hertz-Picciotto.