A recent study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) has revealed concerning links between air pollution and brain development in children. The research, published in Environmental Research on September 26, 2024, indicates that exposure to pollutants such as fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) during pregnancy and childhood is associated with significant differences in the microstructure of the brain's white matter. These effects are shown to persist into adolescence.
The study highlights the urgent need to address air pollution as a critical public health issue, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children. As the evidence mounts regarding the detrimental effects of air pollution on neurodevelopment, it underscores the necessity for global action to mitigate pollution levels and protect future generations.
Source: enn.com