January 26, 2012
Warning over cost of asthma caused by traffic-related air pollution
Experts warn cost of asthma caused by traffic-related air pollution is much higher than previous estimates
The total cost of asthma due to traffic-related air pollution is much higher than previous estimates, according to new research.
The study, published online ahead of print in the European Respiratory Journal, has revealed the true extent of the healthcare costs associated with living close to a busy road.
The researchers studied Long Beach and Riverside; two communities in Southern California that have high levels of regional air pollution and where there are large roads close to residential neighbourhoods. They analysed previous estimates of the number of asthma cases attributable to pollution exposure and multiple surveys on healthcare visits by children with asthma to estimate the yearly costs of childhood asthma.
Traditional methods of assessing the risks and costs of air pollution have not taken into account the causal relationship between pollution exposure and developing asthma, nor have they included the broader costs associated with the disease.
Instead, previous studies have been limited to pollution-related exacerbations (such as hospitalisations) of existing asthma cases. In this study, the research team used a new method of calculating costs that took into account asthma cases attributable to pollution and a broad range of costs including morbidity associated with asthma (such as sinus and ear infections) and the cost of regular care (such as daily control medication). This 'asthma career cost' estimates the lifelong costs incurred throughout the 'career' of the disease.
To estimate this cost, the researchers assessed the typical volume of health services (such as doctor visits) and number of school absences for a child with asthma each year. They then calculated costs using the average amount charged (for health services) and the average wage rate for parents or guardians (for school absences or attending medical appointments).
The total economic burden of asthma cases and asthma exacerbations due to pollution in the two communities is approximately $18 million a year, almost half of which is due to new asthma cases caused by pollution. The results also revealed that the total annual cost associated with a case of asthma was approximately 7¬8% of average household income in both communities, which exceeds the 5% level that is widely considered sustainable for a family's healthcare expenses.
Sylvia Brandt, lead author of the study, said: "Traditional risk assessment methods for air pollution have underestimated both the overall burden of asthma and the cost of the disease associated with air pollution. Our research allows us to view the true cost of asthma attributable to air pollution as a 'career' cost.
"Our findings suggest the cost has been substantially underestimated and steps must be taken to reduce the burden of traffic-related pollution. While our study is specific to two communities in Southern California, its approach is applicable and relevant to other urban areas, especially since previous research suggests that over 50% of the population in 10 major European cities live within 150 metres of major roads."
European Lung Foundation
Recent Allergy and Asthma Stories
New molecule discovered in fight against allergy
February 16, 2012 - Scientists at The University of Nottingham have discovered a new molecule that could offer the hope of new treatments for people allergic to the house dust mite.
Growing up on a farm directly affects regulation of the immune system
February 09, 2012 - Immunological diseases, such as eczema and asthma, are on the increase in westernised society and represent a major challenge for 21st century medicine.
Combined Asthma Medication Therapy Shown to Reduce Attacks
February 07, 2012 - A Henry Ford Hospital study has found that using two types of common asthma medications in combination reduces severe asthma attacks.
Lower levels of sunlight link to allergy and eczema
February 06, 2012 - Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study published this week.
Breastfeeding and lung function at school age: Does maternal asthma modify the effect?
February 03, 2012 - Breastfeeding is associated with improved lung function at school age, particularly in children of asthmatic mothers, according to a new study from researchers in Switzerland and the UK.