PM(2.5) and pediatric asthma

ABSTRACT

Air pollution does harm to the respiratory tracts. Fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) attacks the lung directly passing through mucosal ciliary clearance, causes new-onset asthma, or exacerbates asthma symptoms in children. Oxidative stresses, immunologic changes, allergic sensitization, and epigenetic modification are associated with bronchial asthma. Furthermore, it causes respiratory tract infection and lung function decline. We have to protect the children who are more vulnerable to PM(2.5) than adults. We will investigate individual exposure, influences by the components of air pollution, and genetic susceptibility.