Emory, Harvard study finds air pollution exposure impacted puberty of U.S. girls | Emory University | Atlanta GA

Childhood Exposure to Air Pollution Linked to Early Menarche in US Girls

A newly published study conducted by researchers from Emory University and Harvard University has revealed a significant connection between childhood exposure to air pollution and the age at which girls in the United States experience their first periods.

The study, which was published in Environmental Health Perspectives, collected data from over 5,200 girls across the country. All participants were children of individuals involved in the Nurses’ Health Study II. The findings indicated that girls who had higher residential exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution throughout their childhood tended to have their first periods at an earlier age.

Importance of the Findings

Girls who experience their first periods at an earlier age face an increased risk of developing several diseases later in life, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Actions to be Taken

In order to protect the reproductive health of young girls, it is crucial to implement policies and regulations aimed at reducing the primary sources of particulate matter air pollution. This includes addressing emissions from gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, and wood combustion.

Remaining Questions

Further research is needed to fully understand the potential biological mechanisms through which exposure to fine particulate matter may cause early menarche in girls. Additionally, the study only focused on a single type of air pollutant, while individuals are exposed to various types of air pollutants. Therefore, additional research is necessary to investigate how multiple air pollutants interact with each other and whether this mixture has a different impact on the reproductive health of girls.

Expert Opinions

Audrey Gaskins, ScD, the senior author of the study and an associate professor of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, stated:

“Our study highlights one potential environmental factor—particulate matter air pollution—that may help explain the trend of earlier ages of menarche being observed over the past 50 years. While more research is necessary, it suggests that early life environmental exposures may play a key role in dictating the pace of reproductive development in girls.”

Robert Hood, PhD, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral trainee fellow in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, added:

“In our study of girls across the U.S., we found that higher exposure to fine particulate matter, a type of air pollution, was related to earlier menarche. We believe that fine particulate matter may disrupt the endocrine system and contribute to early menarche in girls. However, further research is required to confirm this hypothesis.”

SDGs, Targets and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.

2. 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.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer.

The article addresses or connects to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article highlights the increased risk of diseases faced by girls who have their first periods at an earlier age due to exposure to air pollution.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article emphasizes the need to reduce particulate matter air pollution, which is a key concern for urban areas.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article suggests enacting policies and regulations to reduce primary sources of air pollution, which aligns with climate action measures.

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
2. 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. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease – This indicator can be used to measure progress in reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.
• Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted) – This indicator can be used to assess the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, specifically related to air quality.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer – This indicator can be used to track progress in integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: news.emory.edu

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