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There are many reasons why mom always encouraged us to eat our fruits and vegetables. Here's another: a diet rich in fruits and vegetables could reduce the harmful effects of air pollution for people suffering from chronic lung diseases.

Researchers at Imperial College in London observed over 200 patients admitted to the hospital for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Many of them were former smokers. The researchers looked at levels of course particulate matter produced through the combustion of fossil fuels.

The study is published in the July issue of the journal Epidemiology.

In Europe, the current air pollution standard is set at 50 mcg/m3 for course particulate matter. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also has the same standard.

London air was above that standard on 45 days during the three-year study, though the median level during the study period was about 25 mcg/m3.

Results showed that with every increase in course particulate matter of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (mcg/m3), there was a 35 percent increased risk of hospital admission for people with asthma or COPD. The risk of admission was 1.2 times greater among people with low levels of vitamin C.

Previous studies have linked high levels of outdoor air pollution with an increased risk of deaths from respiratory illnesses, as well as emergency room visits for these conditions. Automobile exhaust and industrial sources, such as coal-burning power plants, are major contributors of particulate matter in the United States.