Parents - Better air linked to fewer ear infections

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Better air linked to fewer ear infections

SAN DIEGO (UPI) -- Improvements in U.S. air quality during the past 10 years may be a factor in fewer cases of ear infections among children, U.S. researchers said.

Dr. Nina L. Shapiro of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine and colleagues analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey of 120,060 children from 1997-2006. The researchers measured how many instances occurred in the previous year for three disease conditions -- three or more ear infections in the previous 12 months, respiratory allergy and seizure activity.

These numbers were cross-referenced with Environmental Protection Agency air quality data over the same period. The study found that as air quality improved, the number of cases of frequent ear infections decreased.

The researchers said the findings confirm the benefit of the revised Clean Air Act of 1990, which gave the federal government more authority to implement and enforce regulations reducing air pollutant emission.

The findings were presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery Foundation annual meeting in San Diego.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 10/09/2009

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