Researchers at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health determined that multiple types of particulate matter, a principal component of air pollution, have adverse effects on children's health if a mother gets exposed during pregnancy.
Image Credit: Dasha Petrenko via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci
The Texan science team performed a meta-analysis focussing on the effects of the two smallest classes of particulate matter: fine (particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 micrometers) and ultrafine (particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than one micrometer).
Worryingly, both these smaller classes of particulate matter can be inhaled deep into the lung. Even worse, ultrafine particles have been found to enter circulation and even pass the placental barrier, allowing them to reach the developing fetus directly.
What effects does exposure to air pollution have on the offspring of pregnant women?
In studies and analyses based on human data, a variety of negative health effects linked with fine particulate matter exposure were identified, including asthma, and other chronic respiratory problems, low birth weight, cognitive and behavioral difficulties, obesity, and diabetes.
Although there hasn't been as much research on the consequences of prenatal ultrafine PM exposure, a rising body of data suggests that the effects are comparable to those of fine PM exposure. In addition, the findings of the human research were corroborated by studies and evaluations of data acquired from animal models.
On top of that, several of the studies looked at how particulate matter may be causing the reported detrimental health consequences. Direct (ultrafine particulate matter crosses the placenta and enters fetal circulation) and indirect (particulate matter generates interactions that result in inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetic alterations, and endocrine disturbance) processes have been identified in the literature.
What can be done to reduce risks associated with particulate matter exposure?
The scientists also looked into cures and strategies that may reduce or even eliminate the risks associated with prenatal exposure to particulate matter. Green spaces, like parks and other locations with trees and foliage, present various advantages to communities, one of which is reduced exposure to particulate matter.
Green areas typically have less particulate matter in the air - Image Credit: Chim via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci
Nutritional interventions, such as maternal dietary modifications and antioxidant and vitamin supplementation, can protect children exposed to prenatal air pollution.
According to Dr. Nathalie Johnson, one of the authors, It's crucial to go over the body of research on such a significant and prevalent environmental hazard as it aids in formulating policies and intervention strategies. The timing of exposure, like during pregnancy, is becoming more widely recognized as a critical window of susceptibility. 'Protecting the most vulnerable can have a huge public health impact.'
The study is published in the Nature science journal: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine (listed below). Be sure to check it out for a more detailed overview of what the researchers found.
Further reading:
Offspring of pregnant women exposed to a high level of pollutants may have lower IQs (Universal-Sci)
From Paris to Shanghai, citizens are largely unaware of indoor air pollution risks (Universal-Sci)
Air pollution and children's health—a review of adverse effects associated with prenatal exposure from fine to ultrafine particulate matter (Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine)
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