School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2023
Abstract
People with asthma, particularly young children, are more adversely aected by trac emissions-and regular exercise reduces asthma symptoms and improves lung function. We studied the relationship between air pollution and objectively measured physical activity in children with asthma who were attending a school near a freeway. We continuously monitored air pollutants-PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3)-at the school for 10 weeks and measured physical activity levels via accelerometry in children (n = 12, ages 6-12 years). Concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 were negatively associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity (PM2.5 and PM10: p < .001; NO2: p = .04) and positively associated with sedentary activity (PM2.5 and PM10: p < .001; NO2: p = .02). Physical activity is decreased and sedentary behavior is increased in children with asthma when air pollutants are higher. Strategies are available to mitigate air pollutant impact on beneficial physical activity during the school day.
Recommended Citation
Aguilera, Juan, Soyoung Jeon, Amit U. Raysoni, Wen-Whai Li, and Leah D. Whigham. "Decreased Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Levels in Children With Asthma Are Associated With Increased Traffic-Related Air Pollutants." Journal of Environmental Health 85, no. 8 (2023).
Publication Title
Journal of Environmental Health
Comments
Copyright of Journal of Environmental Health is the property of National Environmental Health Association. Journal is now open access; the content can be freely shared.