Asthma causing products.

[kwicky]

Many theories have been put forward as to what causes the high incidence of Asthma in the UK, the worst in the Western world.. Many blame exhaust emissions. However in New Zealand, one of the most pollution free atmospheres Asthma is also high.

What do you think is the cause? My theory, for what its worth, is the use of Biological Washing Powder that irritates the nasal membranes.

[toby99]

Exhaust fumes! I developed asthma for the first time after waiting each evening in a busy bus station, but it is now triggered by dogs and believe it or not, laughing!

[wildwood]

I have lots of family in NZ. The reason Asthma is high in NZ is because 90% of the population lives in the 4 main cities. There is still a high percentage of fossil fuel burning to keep the houses warm. Most of the roads were built when there were 1/4mill cars.
Now there are 3mill+ so congestion in the cities is as bad at the busy hours as any worldwide city. As you probably know, an idling car is a polluting car.

I have no doubt that Asthma is aggravated by pollution (and closeby tobacco smoke)

[wildwood]

Yikes! That should have read 70% of the population .......

Just having a senior moment.

[kwicky]

Admittedly traffic exhaust fumes must play a part in respiratory diseases but cannot be the only answer. With the UK and New Zealand top of the table there must be more to it. Why is the USA way down the list? What about China? Could it be the damp climate associated with both UK and NZ which are similar? This is how they view it from a NZ point of view.

http://www.asthmanz.co.nz/files/PDF-files/burd enkey.pdf