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A recent study led by the University of Washington, alongside Columbia University and the University at Buffalo, has highlighted the impact of air pollution, particularly ozone, on the progression of emphysema, a serious lung condition. Published in JAMA, the research reveals that long-term exposure to various air pollutants correlates strongly with increased emphysema as observed through lung scans. Emphysema, characterized by lung tissue destruction leading to symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, is traditionally linked to smoking, but this study indicates that air pollution may have a comparable effect. The findings show that a mere increase of 3 parts per billion in ozone levels over a decade can mimic the lung damage equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes daily for 29 years. The study involved over 7,000 participants from six U.S. metropolitan areas over 18 years, emphasizing the growing concern of chronic lung diseases, especially among nonsmokers. The research underscores the need for better understanding and management of air pollution, particularly as ground-level ozone continues to rise with climate change. The study was supported by multiple institutions, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
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