Large Population of Asthma Sufferers in Rowan

10/05/09 by Staff Writer

Dr. Magryta and child during examination.

Fact: The American Lung Association lists Rowan County as the 13th worst county in the nation for ozone pollution.
Fact: The Asthma Clinic at Salisbury Pediatric Associates treats between 600 and 800 children.

Those two unfortunate facts are related. “Ozone pollution irritates the tissue of the lungs and causes them to release proteins that increase the inflammation and reactivity,” says Dr. Christopher Magryta, the pediatrician who treats children in Salisbury Pediatrics’ Asthma Clinic. “During ozone action days, the volume of people who go to the emergency department and primary care clinics goes up pretty dramatically.”

Magryta notes that children with asthma who spend time near heavily trafficked areas often need medical attention. “The more exposure the child has to ozone and pollutants, the more likely the child is to have symptoms,” he says.

While he does not think parents should keep their children inside during the summer months, he recommends keeping the windows closed and turning on the air conditioner. And on serious ozone-action days, he says it’s better to engage in indoor activities.

Environment Pulls the Trigger

“For asthma, genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger,” says the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). “Once a person develops asthma, factors like dirty air can trigger an attack.”

Asthma is the fastest-growing chronic disease in the United States. More than 22 million individuals suffer from the ailment. The incidence of asthma among small children soared 160 percent from 1980 to 1996. The number of Americans with asthma has more than doubled in the past 15 years.

Some evidence suggests that ozone and diesel exhaust particles may even cause asthma in some cases, according to EDF. The organization notes that nearly 2/3 of those suffering from asthma live in an area that does not meet federal air quality standards.

Any actions that individuals, governments and businesses can do to lower traffic congestion and save energy will help reduce air pollution. That includes everything from riding public transportation or carpooling to supporting walkable communities and energy efficiency at home and at work.

Traffic & Asthma

A key study in 2005 revealed that the risk of asthma increased 89 percent for each quarter-mile closer children lived to a major roadway.¹
A follow-up study in 2007 found that children who lived within about 1500 feet of a major roadway suffered from decreased lung air flow.

¹ Environmental Defense Fund

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