Carbon Pollution and Young Lungs Don't Mix
A new study published in the July 6th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine concludes carbon particles from motor exhaust diminish lung function in young children. Serena Gordon of HealthDay News reports:
"Higher levels of exposure [to carbon particles] are associated with lower levels of lung function," concluded one of the study's authors, Dr. Jonathan Grigg, who was a senior lecturer in pediatrics at the University of Leicester in England at the time of the study.Dr. Grigg insists data like this is important to note when considering which fuels we choose to consume:
Black carbon particles are a major component of air pollution, according to background information in the study. This type of pollution comes largely from motor vehicle emissions. Past research has suggested that carbon pollution might harm children's lung function.
"We can't avoid inhaled particulate pollution. These data are important when doing the cost/benefit analysis for different, less-polluting fuels. This study reminds us that there is a health cost of burning fossil fuels, even though at present these fuels bring many benefits," he said.
