New research suggests that up to 38% of all annual childhood asthma cases in Bradford may be caused by air pollution.

The study, led by the University of Leeds, also shows traffic-related air pollution could be specifically responsible for up to 24% of the total number of cases.

An international team of researchers has used a newly-developed model to assess the impact exposure to nitrogen oxides – gases that make up air pollution – has on the development of childhood asthma.

Their study, published today in Environment International, used a model that knits together four distinct models of traffic, emissions, atmospheric dispersion and health impact assessments in Bradford. This allowed the researchers to chart the full chain of impact – from the source of air pollution through the pathways in which it impacts children’s health.

Read more at University of Leeds

Image: Charting the full chain of impact -- from the source of air pollution through the pathways in which it impacts health. (Credit: Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health www.carteeh.org)