Polluted air affects fetal brain development

We already know that smoking during pregnancy is harmful. But did you know that polluted air also affects the brain development of unborn children?

An international research team, including researchers from Erasmus MC, conducted a study among a group of Dutch women during their pregnancy. It shows that a polluted environment also affects the brain development of unborn children. The brains of a fetus are particularly vulnerable because unborn children do not yet have mechanisms to ward off toxic substances from the environment.

The research
During the study, the level of air pollution at the future mothers' homes was measured. Of the total 783 children born from these pregnancies, a brain scan was made between their sixth and tenth year of life.

The effect of polluted air on brain development
The study shows that women who are frequently exposed to polluted air during pregnancy—such as those living in the city—are more likely to have children with a thinner cerebral cortex, especially in the area involved in reduced inhibitory control. This can lead to behavioral problems in children, such as impulsive behavior, addiction susceptibility, and ADHD.

Is there reason to panic?
No. According to the researchers, there is no reason to panic. The later effects are not abnormal, according to an earlier study. The hope is that the brain is flexible enough to adapt. However, the researchers emphasize the importance of being aware that there are already effects on brain development during pregnancy.

 
Source: nu.nl