Babies are believed to experience the effects of air pollution in their lungs and brains before they even emerge from their mothers’ wombs, a recent study published on Wednesday has revealed.
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According to the study conducted by scientists from the University of Aberdeen, UK, and Hasselt University, Belgium, fetuses develop pollution particles in their vital organs as early as the first trimester.
While another study from Hasselt University had already proven that black carbon particles reach the placenta, these new findings demonstrate that particles also reach the fetus.
“We demonstrate in this study that black carbon particles that enter the mother are transmitted proportionally to the placenta and the baby,” explained Professor Tim Nawrot, recalling that the consequences of pollution on babies are already well documented.
Black carbon is a sooty black material released into the air by the various polluting elements of society, such as internal combustion engines, coal-fired power plants, and any other fossil fuel burning source.
“What is even more worrying is that these black carbon particles are also entering the developing human brain. This means that it is possible that these nanoparticles interact directly with the control systems within human fetal organs and cells,” explained Professor Paul Fowler.