Air pollution exposure during pregnancy increases lung damage risk

CHILDREN whose mothers are exposed to high levels of traffic pollution during pregnancy are at an increased risk of lung damage.

Researchers at Barcelona’s Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology tested 620 four-year-olds whose mothers had been exposed to air pollutants during pregnancy.

The researchers found that youngsters whose mothers were exposed to high levels of benzene and nitrogen dioxide are 22% more likely to suffer impaired lung function. Poorer children are at an even greater risk.

 
Dr Peter Sly said: “Limiting exposure to traffic-related pollution during fetal development and early postnatal life is one way that the burden of respiratory disease can be decreased.”