A recent study has revealed that pregnant women exposed to air pollution face an increased risk of delivering smaller babies. In contrast, the research suggests that residing in areas rich in trees and green spaces may counteract the adverse effects of pollution on birth weight.
Prior research has established a link between low birth weight and a heightened susceptibility to developing conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) as children grow. Scientists stress the urgent need to reduce air pollution levels and promote greener urban environments to safeguard infants and support the development of their respiratory systems.
The study draws upon data from the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study, which encompassed over 4,000 children and their mothers hailing from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Estonia. Researchers evaluated the “greenness” of the expectant mothers’ neighborhoods by analyzing satellite images measuring vegetation density, including forests, farmland, and urban parks.
Moreover, the study factored in information about five pollutants: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, black carbon (BC), and two types of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Notably, all recorded levels of air pollution fell within the European Union’s established limits. Researchers then correlated these findings with the birth weights of the infants, adjusting for variables such as maternal age, smoking habits, and other health conditions.
Robin Sinsamala, a researcher at the University of Bergen in Norway, stated, “The time when babies are growing in the womb is critical for lung development. We know that babies with lower birth weight are susceptible to chest infections, and this can lead to problems like asthma and COPD later on. Our results suggest that pregnant women exposed to air pollution, even at relatively low levels, give birth to smaller babies.”
The findings revealed that elevated levels of air pollution were associated with reduced birth weights. Specifically, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and BC were correlated with average reductions in weight of 56g, 46g, 48g, and 48g, respectively. However, when considering the presence of greenery in an area, the impact of pollution on birth weight diminished. Mothers residing in greener locales gave birth to babies who, on average, weighed 27g more compared to those in less verdant surroundings.
Professor Arzu Yorgancioğlu, Chair of the European Respiratory Society Advocacy Council, emphasized, “This research adds to a growing body of evidence concerning the harmful effects of air pollution, especially on vulnerable infants and young children. While individuals may find it challenging to limit exposure to air pollution, collective efforts must be made to pressurize governments and policymakers to improve air quality.”
The study’s authors are presenting their findings at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy.
