A recent study involving over 5,800 mother-child pairs from China has found that increased exposure to air pollution in the months prior to pregnancy is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk factors in children up to two years after birth. The study, published in the journal Environmental Research, highlights the importance of minimising air pollution exposure before conception to reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
Researchers found that an increase in PM2.5 levels by 16.2 micrograms per cubic meter during preconception was linked to a rise of 0.078 in child BMIZ at age two.
Similarly, an increase in PM10 pollution by 21.1 micrograms per cubic meter was associated with an increase of 0.093 in the child's BMI at age two. These findings suggest that exposure to air pollution before pregnancy can have a significant impact on a child's growth and development.
The study also found that children exposed to higher levels of pollution during preconception had higher weight, BMI, and BMIZ growth rates from six months onward. This suggests that the effects of air pollution exposure before pregnancy can persist even after birth.
While the study is observational and cannot establish cause-and-effect links, the researchers suggest that taking measures to lower air pollution exposure before conception can help reduce the risk of childhood obesity. These measures include wearing a mask, using air purifiers, and staying indoors as much as possible when outdoor air quality is poor.
The study's findings are particularly significant given that exposure to air pollution has been linked to negative effects on children's health, including respiratory conditions and a higher risk for chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. By minimizing air pollution exposure before conception, individuals can take a crucial step towards reducing the risk of childhood obesity and promoting healthy growth and development.