Here, have you ever thought that the air we breathe every day can impact the little one even since in the womb? It turns out that many studies show that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can affect the brain structure of the fetus, even before the baby is born.
What is meant by air pollution?
Air pollution is the contamination of the air by harmful substances that can interfere with human health, especially when inhaled over a long period. These substances can come from motor vehicles, factory smoke, burning waste, to cigarette smoke.
Some of the most common and dangerous air pollutants include:
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PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5)
This is an extremely small dust particle (30 times smaller than a human hair) that can enter the lungs and even the bloodstream. From there, these particles can cause systemic inflammation, potentially affecting the placenta and oxygen flow to the fetus. It is this mechanism that is suspected to disrupt the development of the baby's brain in the womb.
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Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
Frequently coming out of the vehicle exhaust pipe. Can cause inflammation in the respiratory tract.
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Carbon Monoxide (CO)
The gas is colorless and odorless but can be very toxic. It is produced largely from vehicle exhaust and the combustion of fuels.
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Ozone (O₃) on the Earth's surface
It's not the protective ozone layer in the sky, Mom. This one is formed from a chemical reaction between sunlight and vehicle pollution. It can cause breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Sulfur
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Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
Produced by burning coal, typically from industry or power plants.
Some studies have proven the dangers of air pollution for the fetus.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. The research involved more than 700 healthy pregnant women. The scientists used MRI imaging technology on fetuses in the third trimester of pregnancy, and the results were quite surprising.
Exposure to air pollution, particularly fine particles (PM2.5) originating from vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and other combustion sources, has been found to be associated with changes in the shape and size of certain brain areas in fetuses.
The brain areas affected are related to emotional function, behavior, as well as cognitive development in children in the future. This indicates that exposure to polluted air is not only a short-term risk, but can also bring long-term impacts on the growth and development of children.
Another study published in The Lancet Planetary Health analyzed data collected between 2018 and 2021 from 754 mother-fetus pairs participating in the BiSC (Barcelona Life Study Cohort) project in Barcelona.
This study aims to understand the relationship between air pollution and child health and brain development, and is considered one of the most comprehensive studies in this field. During the third trimester of pregnancy, participants undergo transvaginal neurosonography, a special ultrasound that allows analysis of the shape and structure of the fetal brain.
The research also shows that higher exposure to black carbon is associated with a reduction in the depth of the lateral sulcus (also known as the Sylvian fissure), a groove that extends through the brain, which may indicate a lack of brain maturation.
The relationship between air pollution exposure and changes in brain structure morphology is stronger during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This finding underscores the importance of increasing awareness and education, both within the healthcare community and throughout society.
"During the middle to late stages of pregnancy, the fetus's brain enters a critical phase of development, making it very vulnerable to external factors such as pollution," explained Payam Dadvand, a researcher at IS Global, as quoted. Neurosciencenews.
"As doctors, we are now seeing strong evidence that even in pregnancies that appear healthy by all conventional measures, factors such as air pollution can subtly affect fetal brain development," he added.
What is the impact on children?
Here are some impacts of pollution exposure on fetal brain development:
1. Changing the fetal brain structure
According to the latest research from the Netherlands Brain Institute, air pollution particles can actually penetrate the placenta and reach the fetus. This is what's causing concern:
Brain development is disrupted, particularly in the parts of the brain that regulate emotions and behavior. It increases the risk of autism or ADHD as the child grows up. It can lead to low birth weight and lung problems.
In addition, a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children exposed to high levels of air pollution while in the womb have lower IQ test scores.
Respiratory and lung disturbances
Children exposed to pollution from the fetal stage are also more vulnerable to:
- Asthma and allergies
- Recurrent respiratory tract infection
- Weaker lung function compared to other children
3. Immune system disruption and inflammation
Air pollution exposure can trigger systemic inflammation even in babies while in the womb. This makes children more vulnerable to diseases and at risk of experiencing metabolic disorders later on.
4. Low birth weight and premature birth
Some pollutants such as PM2.5 and NO2 are known to increase the risk of being born with low birth weight and premature birth, which can affect long-term health.
5. Risk of mental health issues during adolescence
Long-term research in Europe and the United States has found a relationship between air pollution during pregnancy and anxiety or depression when the child reaches adolescence, as well as behavioral problems such as aggression or difficulty socializing.
Preventing pollution exposure during pregnancy
Don't worry, Mom, it doesn't mean we can't do anything. Here are some preventive steps you can take while pregnant:
- Wear a mask when you are outside, especially when the air quality is poor.
- Monitor air quality index (AQI) through reliable apps or websites.
- Avoid outdoor activities when pollution levels are high, for example in the morning near heavily trafficked roads.
- Use an air purifier at home to maintain indoor air cleanliness.
- Eat high-nutrient antioxidant foods, such as vegetables and fruits, to counteract the effects of free radicals from pollution.
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