Children's Health Defense By Pamela Ferdinand
Exposure to outdoor air pollution in the month before birth dramatically increases the odds of newborns being admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in the U.S., new research suggests.
Researchers found higher levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increase the likelihood of NICU admissions nationwide by 30-35% and 11-22%, respectively, according to a population-based study of 3.6 million single babies published Jan. 2 in Scientific Reports.
These findings are regardless of the time of year and even after adjusting for parental factors, including smoking, the researchers say.
“Despite the relatively low-moderate US exposure levels, traffic-related pollutants near the end of pregnancy appear to increase overall adverse health risks for newborns, underscoring the need to reduce prenatal exposure to ambient pollutants,” the researchers say.
Nitrogen oxide and fine particulate matter (tiny particles typically 5mm or smaller) are common combustion byproducts of motor vehicles and power plants, among other sources.
The study also investigated ground-level ozone (O3), a colorless gas. Unlike “good” ozone in the upper atmosphere, which protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, this emission type is the primary ingredient in “smog.”
For pregnant people and their newborns, short- and long-term exposure to outside air pollutants can lead to a higher chance of preterm birth and low birth weight.
It can also contribute to serious pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, hormone imbalances, birth defects and high blood pressure (hypertensive) disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia.
These conditions often occur during late pregnancy and require NICU admission for monitoring and medical care. Outdoor air pollution exposure in pregnancy and early life has also been found to harm children’s brain development and cognition (ability to learn and process information)…
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE… (childrenshealthdefense.org)
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