Could Air Pollution Cause DNA Damages in Children and Teenagers?

Telomere shortening is a type of DNA damage, which occurs in children and teenagers. This type of DNA damages occur due to immense levels of traffic related air pollution.

Young people with asthma also have evidence of telomere shortening, a type of DNA damage typically associated with ageing, according to the study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Sleep Deprivation May Be Due To Traffic-Related Air Pollution
Being exposed to high levels of air pollutant particles could be the reason for the lack of sleep and is due to the presence of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

‘With the increase in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) exposure level, the telomere length will decrease in linear fashion. ’

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"Our results suggest that telomere length may have the potential for use as a bio-marker of DNA damage due to environmental exposures and chronic inflammation," said the study by John Balmes of University of California, Berkeley, and colleagues.

"Telomeres might also provide new insights into the understanding how pollution exposure leads to adverse health outcomes," the researchers said.

The study included 14 children and adolescents living in Fresno, California, which is the second-most polluted city in the US.

Air Pollution May Reduce the Efficacy Of Antibiotics
Air pollution may reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics by increasing the potential of bacteria which can cause respiratory infections.

The researchers assessed the relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a "ubiquitous" air pollutant caused by motor vehicle exhaust; and shortening of telomeres.

As the exposure to PAHs increased, telomere length decreased in linear fashion.

Exposure to Air Pollution Linked to Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
Poor air quality appears to be a catalyst for obesity and diabetes in children, but the conditions probably are forged via different pathways.

Children and teenagers with asthma were exposed to higher PAH levels than those without asthma, the study showed.

The study adds to previous evidence that air pollution causes oxidative stress, which can damage lipids, proteins and DNA.

Climate Change Could Increase Allergy-Induced Asthma in Children
Greenhouse gas emissions could cause longer oak pollen season that could increase the risk of allergy-induced asthma in children.

Research has suggested that children may have different telomere shortening regulation than adults, which might make them more vulnerable to the damaging effects of air pollution.

Source-IANS