Violence Increases Risk from Pollution in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Tina Adler
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Psychosocial stressors may increase children’s vulnerability to the effects of traffic-related air pollution.
Conclusion
Children exposed to violence are more likely to suffer from asthma linked to nitrogen dioxide pollution.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronic stress can impair the immune system.
- Living near highways is linked to a greater risk of childhood asthma.
- About 45% of children in the study had witnessed at least one violent act.
- Residential exposure to nitrogen dioxide was linked to asthma only among children exposed to violence.
Takeaway
If kids see violence, it can make them more likely to get sick from air pollution.
Methodology
The study examined data from the Maternal–Infant Smoking Study of East Boston, focusing on children's exposure to violence and nitrogen dioxide levels.
Limitations
Accurate reports about violence are difficult to obtain, and violence exposures may indicate other family stability issues.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 4 to 11.5 from East Boston.
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