Climate change under the spotlight
06 April 2009

The subject of climate change and the extent to which it will increase cases of respiratory conditions such as asthma was among the issues covered at the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) conference in Washington, USA.

Why heat causes asthma deaths might not immediately be apparent, but has to do with the way that heat and pollution interact.

The massive worldwide increase in vehicle ownership has resulted in an enormous increase in air pollution. As the temperature rises, the level of pollutants such as ozone, sulphates and nitrates, increases even further. Ozone in particular can trigger asthma symptoms and damage the lungs, and a rise in temperature directly increases ozone levels at ground level.

In the UK almost a third of people with asthma say that a reduction in air pollution is the single thing that would make the most difference to their quality of life in relation to their asthma.

Warmer weather also leads to longer pollen seasons and more rapid plant growth, this increases the amount of pollen in the air, triggering symptoms for many people with asthma

Dr Elaine Vickers, Asthma UK's Research Relations Manager, was among the conference delegates. She said: ‘We’re all aware of the consequences of climate change for the natural world, but many of us are less aware of its impact on our own health.

‘Steps to halt climate change could bring about huge benefits for people with asthma by reducing pollution levels and reversing the worrying trend towards longer pollen seasons.

‘We urge governments around the world to take action to safeguard the health of people around the world, and particularly the 300 million people living with asthma.’