Babies’ exposure to high levels of air pollution in the womb may lead to a type of DNA damage, typically associated with ageing, called telomere shortening, warned a study. Previous studies said that toxic air can lower children’s IQ and memory, affect their test scores and trigger neurological-behavioural problems. Babies exposed to air pollution in utero, showed higher levels of PAH-DNA cord adducts — a biomarker for exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a toxic component of air pollution from coal plants. In May 2004, high levels of air pollution in Tongliang prompted the government to shut down the local coal-burning power plant to improve community health. “Further follow-ups are needed to assess the role telomere length plays in health outcomes in the context of early life exposure to air pollution,” Tang said.

Source: Hindustan Times January 25, 2018 03:56 UTC