This article is a commentary on the following study: Ramadour M, Burel C, Lanteaume A, Vervloet D, Charpin D, Brisse F, Dutau H, Charpin D. Prevalence of asthma and rhinitis in relation to long-term exposure to gaseous air pollutants. Allergy. 2000 Dec;55(12):1163-9. This study, conducted in January and February 1993 in the Étang de Berre region (30 km west of Marseille), aims to determine the potential impact of prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone) from industrial (petrochemical) and automotive sources on the prevalence of rhinitis, asthma, and asthma-like symptoms among adolescents aged 13 to 14. This study does not provide any new information beyond what is already known. It highlights an association between a family or personal history of asthma and asthma-like symptoms without being able to identify a clear role for gaseous pollutants in the onset of asthma in adolescents. (Excerpts from the article)