New Delhi: Exposure to air pollution—specifically particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)—in the three months before conception may double the risk of childhood obesity by age two, according to a study released Thursday.
While previous studies have linked air pollution during pregnancy to various health issues in children, including respiratory problems and chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease, this new research shifts focus to the preconception period—the three months leading up to pregnancy.
Environmental pollutants during this time, when sperm and eggs are nearing their final stages of development, can negatively impact the health of future children, noted the international research team from the US and China. The findings were published in the journal Environmental Research.
The study analyzed data from 5,834 mother-child pairs, recruited from maternity clinics in Shanghai. Researchers found that exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 before pregnancy was associated with a higher BMI (Body Mass Index) or BMIZ (a standardized score comparing a child’s BMI to others of the same age and sex).
The researchers emphasized that the three months before conception are crucial, urging individuals planning to have children to consider minimizing their air pollution exposure to reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
In the study, increased exposure to PM2.5 during the preconception period was linked to a 0.078 increase in BMIZ at age two, while higher PM10 exposure led to a 0.093 kg/m² rise in BMI by age two. From six months onward, children exposed to higher levels of pollutants before conception showed increased weight, BMI, and BMIZ growth rates.
Though the increase in BMI is small, researchers argue that the widespread nature of air pollution and its cumulative effect on many children’s health could present a significant risk. They warned that the potential impact may be substantial and could begin even before pregnancy.
This observational study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution exposure and suggests future research will be necessary to better understand the full impact. The researchers also recommend steps that individuals can take now to minimize risks for themselves and their children.
With IANS inputs