This study examines if there are specific environmental factors affecting lung function in children. The hypothesis is that exposure to PM (particulate matter) from certain sources and of specific compositions predict persistence of asthma severity and decrements in lung function growth. Childhood asthma is a major risk factor for lung disease in adulthood. It is unclear what causes some children to have a worse disease course than others. Sometimes, genetic factors can be connected to childhood asthma but often there is no connection or explanation.
The study will include 300 multi-ethnic children, the Texas Home Assessment of Asthma and Lung Exposures (TexHALE) study to examine associations between: 1) lung function growth; 2) persistence of disease severity; and 3) biomarkers associated with airway remodeling and lung function decline with PM exposure (sources, composition, and concentrations). This research is important because it will advance the understanding of the cause of asthma, help develop crucial interventions for childhood asthma and will also provide insight into racial and ethnic disparities in the disease course.