A study has warned that air pollution can increase the risk of asthma in adults, even at low levels. Researchers found that Australians aged 45-50 who lived less than 200 metres from a major road had a 50 percent higher risk of asthma, wheeze and lower lung function over a five-year period than those who lived more than 200 metres from a major road. They noted that the increase in these health issues was despite Australia's relatively low safe nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limit of 30 parts per billion per year.The study surveyed about 700 participants from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study when they were aged 45 and 50.
According to the University of Melbourne, Australia has relatively low air pollution levels compared with developing South East Asian countries. However, the study found that even these are associated with increased risk of asthma and poor lung function in adults, said…
