Children who are exposed to high levels of vehicle exhaust have increased risk of childhood leukemia, a latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report states.
The researchers at CDC analysed past seven studies on 8,000 children. The review stated that around 30 percent to 45 percent of Americans in large urban areas live near major roads. This indicates an increased exposure to traffic-related air pollution and risk of severe health problems.
The analysis showed that childhood leukemia was linked to residential traffic exposure during the postnatal period, but not during the prenatal period.
"The review found that children diagnosed with leukemia were 50% more likely to live near busy roads than children without leukemia," said Vickie Boothe, a CDC health scientist and lead author of the article, reportsUSA Today. "While the study found a link, it does not prove that living near a busy road causes leukemia."
The researchers noted that childhood cancer in on the rise since 1975 with leukemia being the most common form of it. They said that leukemia also accounts for one-third of all cancers among children 14 and younger.
The study authors said that the analysis of different studies is the first complete scientific review of studies assessing the link between residential traffic exposure and childhood cancer.
"Precautionary public health messages and interventions designed to reduce population exposure to traffic might be warranted," wrote the researchers in the report.
The review will be published in the April issue of the 'American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
