Women exposed to polluted air often give birth to babies who are smaller than average, with research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy, noting stronger effects in certain environments. The same studies indicate that mothers living in greener, forested areas tend to have larger newborns.
Scientists describe a clear link between birth weight and long-term lung health. Lower birth weight is associated with a higher risk of asthma in childhood and greater chances of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life.
Researchers stress the need to reduce air pollution and expand green spaces in towns and cities to safeguard newborn lungs during the critical development period.
The investigation drew on data from the RHINE study, with findings shared by Robin Mzati Sinsamala from the Department of Global Public Health at the University of Bergen, Norway. The study involved 4,286 mother-child pairs from five European countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Estonia.
Using satellite imagery, researchers assessed vegetation cover around where the women lived during pregnancy, including forests, farms, and urban parks. They also evaluated five pollutants: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, black carbon (BC), and two sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
Pollution levels observed across the study area largely met European Union standards. The team compared these measurements with birth weights while accounting for other known influences such as maternal age, smoking status, and health conditions.
Smaller births with pollution; larger births in greener areas
Findings show that higher ambient air pollution correlates with reduced birth weight. Exposure to PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and BC—emissions mainly from transportation and industry—was linked to average birth weight decreases of 56 grams, 46 grams, 48 grams, and 48 grams respectively.
The reductions ranged from less than 56 grams for babies born in the most polluted settings to about 27 grams for those born in greener locales.
Conversely, in regions with more extensive green zones, the pattern reversed. Expectant mothers living near greener areas tended to have babies with slightly higher birth weights, averaging about 27 grams more than those in less green neighborhoods.
Sinsamala emphasized that fetal growth timing is crucial for lung development. He noted that low birth weight children are more prone to respiratory infections, which can contribute to issues such as asthma and COPD later on.
He added that pregnant women exposed to even relatively low levels of air pollution tend to have smaller babies, while living in greener areas may help mitigate this effect. Possible explanations include reduced traffic and better air clearance from vegetation, as well as increased opportunities for physical activity among pregnant women in greener environments.
Low birth weight and respiratory risk
Lower birth weight babies are more vulnerable to respiratory infections and may face higher risks of asthma and COPD later in life.
The Life-GAP program, short for Lifespan and Intergenerational Respiratory Effects of Green Exposures and Air Pollution, underpins this study. It examines how air quality and access to green spaces influence lung health across generations in Europe over time.
Calls for policy action
Professor Arzu Yorgancıoğlu, Chair of the European Respiratory Society Advocacy Council, commented that the study adds to a growing body of evidence about how air pollution harms health, especially for vulnerable babies and young children. She noted that protecting pregnant women from exposure can be challenging on an individual level, but strong policy measures are essential.
Her message stressed the need for governments and policymakers to lower air pollution levels and to invest in greener neighborhoods. The researchers also indicated that while greener areas may help counteract some pollution effects, broader systemic changes are necessary to reduce exposure and support healthier pregnancies.
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