A first of its kind Stanford led study, confirms previous research that air pollution, such as wildfire and car exhaust, can alter gene regulation in a way that may impact the long-term health in children. The researchers found that air pollution exposure correlates with an increase in the white blood cells that play a role in the buildup of plaques in arteries, possibly predisposing children to heart disease in adulthood. Future studies are needed to verify long-term implications.