About 4 million children worldwide develop asthma each year from inhaling motor vehicle exhaust fumes. We speak to Assoc Prof Dr Jessie Anne de Bruyne, Consultant Paediatrician and Respiratory Physician, for an update on the burden of childhood asthma. Joining us as well is Prof Nik Meriam from the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, to discuss the role of public health policies to reduce urban air pollution.