The lung function of people with asthma is harmed by the effects of diesel traffic air pollution, say researchers in an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), December 6th issue.
Dr. Paul Cullinan, honorary consultant in respiratory medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, and reader in respiratory epidemiology, Imperial College's National Heart and Lung Institute, both in England, and team's study is the first ever to asses the effects of diesel traffic pollution in a real-life setting.
There are 9 million diesel-driven vehicles in the United Kingdom, according to the Department of Transport - and the numbers are rising.
A diesel engine is known to generate over 100 times more particles than petrol (gasoline) engines - it is widely accepted that these particles pose a health hazard. The authors explain that nearly 90% of traffic-generated particulate in an urban environment is from diesel exhaust fumes.
In this study, the researchers looked at what effect a two-hour walk in two different London settings might have on 60 volunteers - they all suffered from mild to moderate asthma. One walk took place at the western end of Oxford Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in the country - only buses and taxis are allowed on this street, all of them diesel-powered. The second walk occurred in a traffic-free section of Hyde Park, central London.
To know more information look at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/90973.php
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