Infants’ IQ Affected by Prenatal Exposure to Air Pollution

A study recently published in Pediatrics delves further into the issue of genetic abnormalities caused by prenatal air pollution exposure. It is known to be an aggravating aspect increasing the possibility of the child developing cancer and asthma. The baby may have a smaller birth weight and head size.

Now the scientists say that another result of air pollution exposure when in the womb appears to be a lower IQ score.

Prenatal lead exposure and air pollution exposure influence the cerebral development of the fetus. By the age of three the afflicted children show a lower IQ level. Those subjected to a prolonged or heavy exposure score lower by 4.67 points. Even a slight exposure is believed to undermine the child’s headway at school.

The danger comes from the so-called PAH pollutants (short for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). In most part they are linked with traffic and factory emissions. The placenta is unable to stop the PAHs from getting in and modify the cerebral development process of the fetus.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/chidsey.