Study Finds Connection Between L.A. Roadways and Asthma

A study done by the University of Southern California was recently released, showing a direct connection between near-roadway air pollution and childhood asthma.

A study done by USC shows a direct connection between near-roadway air pollution and childhood asthma. (Photo courtesy of the Associated Press)

Their research indicated that about 8 percent of the 300,000 cases of childhood asthma in L.A County can be attributed to traffic-related pollution permeating homes within 250 feet of busy streets and roadways. The study, which was published in Environmental Health Perspectives, went on to discuss that near-roadway pollution developed more critical asthma symptoms in children, which resulted in emergency-room visits and hospitalizations.

"Our findings suggest that there are large and previously unappreciated public health consequences of air pollution in Los Angeles County and probably other metropolitan areas with large numbers of children living near major traffic corridors," said Rob McConnell, professor of preventative medicine at the Keck School of Medicine in a statement to USC.

The study also looked at the new legislation that aims to severely cut greenhouse gas emissions by regulating vehicular emissions. The new state of California policies are focusing on improving fuel efficiency, and reducing car usage and miles traveled by promoting public transportation. According to the study, housing developers would also be offered incentives. For example, developers would be able to speed up environmental reviews to design projects located closer to transit stops. Hopefully, this would encourage and entice the public to use mass transit.

USC's study concludes that better information is needed to create the optimal mix of policies that reduce greenhouse gases and promote public transportation, which should help to solve the near-roadway asthma issues.