- Early-life exposure to ambient ozone is associated with increased odds of asthma and wheeze in children.
- A recent study found that just 2 parts per billion increases in ozone exposure during the first 2 years of life led to over 30% higher odds of developing asthma and wheeze by age 6.
- The study included 1,188 children across six U.S. cities and emphasized the critical window for respiratory development during the first 2 years of life.
- The mean ambient ozone (O₃) concentration during this period was 26.1 parts per billion.
- After adjusting for key covariates, including maternal education, asthma history, and secondhand smoke exposure, a 2-ppb increase in O₃ was associated with 31% higher odds of asthma and 30% higher odds of wheeze.
Source: JAMA Network Open
