the role of pollution

Last reviewed 01/2018

There are three important pollutants:

  • nitrogen oxides:
    • increasing

  • sulphur dioxide:
    • remaining stable

  • ozone:
    • worse in the summer

  • black smoke:
    • decreasing

Pollutants can be shown to precipitate bronchoconstriction in individuals with asthma. The role of pollution in the increased prevalence of asthma is not understood.