GUILDFORD MP CALLS FOR MORE RESEARCH INTO THE CAUSES OF ASTHMA

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 21st Jun 2002

Sue Doughty MP is supporting an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons that calls for more research into the link between pollution and asthma, which affects one in eight children.

New scientific research from America examining the causes of asthma shows that pollution can cause asthma. This is supported by a recent study in the UK that suggests living within 90 metres of a main road can increase the risk of a child developing asthma symptoms.

Sue said: "Children in Guildford and other built up areas deserve the right to grow up without the fear of developing asthma. 80% of people with asthma say that pollution worsens their symptoms. The impact of air pollution has been reinforced by studies into the number of hospital admissions and visits to the doctor during episodes of poor air quality. We need measures in place to make clean air a priority and to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide, low-level ozone and other pollutants that are known to trigger asthma."

The National Asthma Campaign wants every person to have equal access to high quality care and treatment according to nationally agreed standards of care. It is also calling on the Government to make a clear statement about the priority it attaches to asthma, the incidence of which is three or four times higher in children than 25 years ago.