A new study in the Journal of Environmental Health studied the effects of air pollution from vehicle exhaust on a child’s development during his or her first year of life. The study followed a sample of 2,318 children from the state of California in the United States.
It was found that by the age of 10, children who were highly exposed to air pollution from vehicles were nearly 1kg heavier than average compared to their counterparts who were less exposed to pollution. An excerpt from the study reads,
“Our study suggests that early life may represent a critical window of exposure where increased [air pollution] may result in increased risk for higher childhood [weight] trajectories, which in turn may lead to childhood obesity.”
Source: The Star
So, what exactly are the pollutants that are directly linked to childhood obesity? Well, the study found that during the first year of life, exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide emitted by diesel engines was linked to significant and rapid weight gain.
Exposure to nitrogen dioxide can also lead to respiratory problems, like inflammation of the airway and can also worsen symptoms among those with asthma.
Although the research did not examine the mechanics behind the effect air pollution has on childhood obesity, chief investigator Jennifer Kim from the University of Southern California told The Guardian about pollutants causing inflammation being the possible explanation, saying,
“The most common thought is inflammation of body systems like the lungs which may spill over into the entire body – the brain which regulates appetite and changes in fat metabolism.”
Source: KLBJ
“We would urge parents to be mindful where their young children spend their time, especially considering if those areas are near major roads. The first year of life is a period of rapid development of various systems in the body [and] may prime the body’s future development.”
Check out the entire study here to find out more information.
What are your thoughts on these new findings? Let us know in the comments below!
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