New study shows environmental and social factors contribute to higher rates of pneumonia in children

 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/933286

 

 News Release 29-Oct-2021
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Louisiana State University

 

A new study led by researchers in the Louisiana State University Superfund Research Program demonstrates that children who are exposed to a certain type of environmental air pollution are more likely to contract community acquired pneumonia, or CAP, and to be hospitalized for longer periods of time. Social factors, including race and socioeconomic status, were also found to be associated with living in high-risk areas for CAP.

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 Another important finding from this study is that the health risk associated with high PM2.5 occurred at levels below the current regulatory maximum standard set by the EPA.

“The fact that we saw increased risk for pediatric pneumonia at PM2.5 levels lower than what is currently allowed by the EPA is a concern and signals the need for continuous review and policy adjustment based on health effects evidence and exposure or risk information such as this,” Cormier said.

The World Health Organization recently lowered the maximum standards for environmental particulate matter globally to below the EPA’s current maximum level for the U.S.

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