Inhabitants of cities with high levels of air pollution are more likely to acquire asthma, pneumonia, and other lower respiratory illnesses. Parents and grandparents are also susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Their bodies become less able to adjust to the impacts of pollution as they age. In addition to affecting neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities, air pollution may cause asthma and pediatric cancer. Later in life, children who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution may be at a larger risk for chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.