A Respira study on the prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases in school children (age 11-14) in Malta and Sicily shows that living in Malta is a risk factor for Asthma related symptoms as compared to Sicily. Rural Gela children had lower risk for asthma and rhinitis.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of living in highly polluted areas in Malta and in Sicily.

The survey was held between March and December 2012, when 1,953 school children were evaluated.

Dr Martin Balzan, who was involved in the study, said it was found that diagnosed asthma in Malta among 11-14 year old children was 2.5 times higher than in Sicily; 5.7 times higher than areas in rural Sicily.

The study said the main cause of the disparity was environmental factors.

PM2.5 levels - fine particulate matter from cars was found to be particularly high in Malta - sometimes reached peaks of 10 times recommended levels.

The researchers noted in particular how children at Hamrun girls school suffered from the night time release of particles from the Marsa power station combined with traffic emissions.

A chemical analysis of particles showed a high levels of heavy metals such as 
cadmium nickel vanadium in suspended particles suggesting that particles from cars were mixing with particles from the power station, the most likely source of heavy metals.

There was a higher sulphur content of particles in Sicily.

More details on pdf below.