New research shows the first evidence that particle of air pollution travel through pregnant women’s lungs and lodge in their placentas. Toxic air is already sturdily linked to harm in foetuses but it is unknown how the spoil is done.
The new study, involving mothers living in London, UK, revealed grimy particles in the placentas of each of their babies and researchers say it is quite possible the particles entered the foetuses too.
Dr Lisa Miyashita, at Queen Mary University of London, one of the research team said“It is always good if possible to take less polluted routes if you are pregnant – or indeed if you are not pregnant. I avoid busy roads when I walk to the station.” “It is a worrying problem – there is a massive association between air pollution a mother breathes in and the effect it has on the foetus,” She added.
Unicef executive director Anthony Lake recently warned of the danger of air pollution to babies: “Not only do pollutants harm babies’ developing lungs, they can permanently damage their developing brains – and, thus, their futures.”
> Alma Siddiqua
