Previous studies have linked acceptable air pollution levels with impact on lungs, heart, and other organs including cognitive decline and foetal growth development. However, the new study showed that air pollution levels related to brain alterations in the foetal brain, which is in developing stages and has no mechanisms to protect against or remove environmental toxins, were below those considered to be safe. “We observed brain development effects in relationship to fine particles levels below the current EU limit,” said lead author Monica Guxens, MD, of Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) in Spain. The findings showed that exposure to fine particles during foetal life was associated with a thinner outer layer of the brain, called the cortex, in several regions. “Therefore, we cannot warrant the safety of the current levels of air pollution in our cities,” he added.

Source: Indian Express March 09, 2018 13:41 UTC