UNIVERSITY of Southampton researchers have received a major cash award to study how long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes could be a major cause of chronic asthma.
The £120,000 grant from the British Lung Foundation builds on recent pioneering studies by the internationally renowned Asthma and Allergy Group based at Southampton General Hospital.
"The work done so far suggests that while diesel pollution does not cause asthma it does, over the long term, stiffen the airways turning asthma from an episodic into a chronic condition," said Dr Anthony Frew who is leading the work.
"We are looking at how this happens, particularly at how diesel pollution changes the cells that line the airways so they actively contribute to the disease."
These epithelial cells will be grown in the laboratory and exposed to diesel particles collected from different sites across Europe. These samples are being analysed by Dr Frew's team as part of a European-wide research project investigating the health effects of diesel exhaust fumes and ambient air pollution.
Southampton researchers are also working closely with major car producers to assess the health benefits of the newer generation of cleaner diesel and petrol engines.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article