Asthma risk increases in children exposed to pollution in womb-study

Is pollution safe for the unborn child? No, it is detrimental in fact. Unborn Babies who have been exposed to pollution from varied traffic sources in their mother’s womb show more predispositions towards developing asthma before 5 years of age, states a new research study. These babies face an increased chance of getting asthma before they turn five, say the researchers.

The research findings have confirmed that even in urban areas where the levels of pollution are relatively low, pregnant women who are exposed to air pollution may give birth to kids who can develop asthma within first 5 years after birth.

The study stated that kids whose mothers were living closer to the highways during their pregnancy term showed a 25% increased “relative risk of developing asthma”.

Hind Sbihi, from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, spoke about the findings and stated “Our study results highlight the importance of exposure to pollution while babies are still in the womb. Air pollution from traffic sources increased the risk of developing asthma during early years before children reach school age, even in an urban area with relatively low levels of air pollution.” The follow up study spanned over first ten years in child’s life was conducted on more than 65000 Canadian kids.

It was also noted that kids with low birth weight showed more chances of developing respiratory issues because of air pollution. When the level of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide increase in the atmosphere, making air polluted further, the risk of respiratory disorders increase more, stated the research fraternity.

The study has been published in the European Respiratory Journal and it highlights the role of pollution and asthma development. Traffic-related pollutants, like fine particulate matter black carbon, nitric oxide, and nitrogen oxide were also assessed for their contribution in air pollution.