Early-Life Air Pollution Exposure Is Associated with the Infant Gut Microbiome and Fecal Metabolome in the First Two Years of Life – Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)

Study on Air Pollution Exposure and Infant Gut Microbiome: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report summarizes a study conducted by Tanya L. Alderete, recipient of the 2019 Walter A. Rosenblith New Investigator Award from HEI, at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland. The research investigates the associations between prenatal and postnatal air pollution exposures and alterations in the infant gut microbiome and fecal metabolome during the first two years of life.

Key Findings

1. Both prenatal and postnatal exposures to air pollution were linked to significant changes in the abundance of gut bacteria and the levels of various fecal metabolites in infants within their first two years.
2. Higher levels of air pollution exposure correlated with a reduction in beneficial gut bacteria, an increase in potentially harmful gut bacteria, and elevated metabolites indicative of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The study highlights the impact of environmental pollutants on early childhood health, emphasizing the need to reduce air pollution to promote healthier developmental outcomes.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Findings underscore the importance of improving air quality in urban environments to protect vulnerable populations, including infants, from harmful exposures.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing air pollution contributes to climate mitigation efforts, which in turn supports healthier ecosystems and human health.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – While focusing on air pollution, the study indirectly supports integrated environmental health approaches that include clean air and water as essential components.

Conclusion

The research led by Alderete and colleagues provides critical evidence linking air pollution exposure during prenatal and postnatal periods to adverse changes in infant gut microbiota and metabolite profiles. These findings reinforce the imperative to align public health initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals by reducing environmental pollution and promoting healthier early-life conditions.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on the impact of air pollution on infant health, specifically changes in the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome, which are critical to early-life development and overall health.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Air pollution is closely linked to climate change and environmental degradation, making SDG 13 relevant as it emphasizes reducing pollution and mitigating climate impacts.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Air pollution is often a result of urban activities; thus, improving air quality in cities aligns with SDG 11’s goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.”
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: “Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning,” which includes reducing air pollution as a mitigation strategy.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.”

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators Related to SDG 3.9
   • Levels of prenatal and postnatal air pollution exposure measured in affected populations.
   • Changes in infant gut microbiome composition (e.g., abundance of beneficial vs. detrimental gut bacteria).
   • Levels of fecal metabolites indicative of oxidative stress and inflammation as biomarkers of health impact.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 11.6
   • Air quality indices measuring concentrations of pollutants in urban environments.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 13.2
   • National or regional data on air pollution levels and integration of air quality improvements in climate policies.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ccacoalition.org