Exposure to air pollution before pregnancy linked to higher child body mass index, study finds – University of Southern California

Influence of Air Pollution on Child Obesity Risk

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Duke University, and Fudan University in Shanghai, China has found that exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy can lead to higher child body mass index (BMI) and an increased risk of obesity-related factors up to the age of two. The study, which was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, emphasizes the importance of addressing air pollution as it relates to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background

Previous research has established a connection between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and various health problems in children, including respiratory issues and a higher risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and heart problems. However, few studies have focused on the preconception period, which refers to the three months before a pregnancy begins. Environmental exposures during this critical timeframe can impact the health of sperm and eggs, which are in their final stages of growth.

Study Details

The study involved 5,834 mother-child pairs recruited from maternity clinics in Shanghai, making it one of the largest studies to date on preconception environmental exposures. The researchers examined the impact of exposure to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂ before pregnancy on the child’s BMI or BMIZ (a standardized score comparing a child’s BMI to others of the same age and sex).

Key Findings

The study revealed that higher exposure to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂ during the preconception period was associated with increases in BMI and BMIZ in children up to the age of two. Specifically, a higher level of exposure to PM_2.5 was linked to a 0.078 increase in child BMIZ at age two, while a higher level of exposure to PM₁₀ was associated with a 0.093 kg/m² increase in BMI at age two. From six months onward, children with higher preconception exposure to all three pollutants exhibited higher weight, BMI, and BMIZ growth rates.

Implications and Recommendations

The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing air pollution as a public health concern, particularly in relation to childhood obesity. The researchers suggest that individuals who plan to have children should take measures to reduce their air pollution exposure during the three months before conception. This can include wearing masks or staying indoors when outdoor air quality is poor, as well as using air purifiers indoors. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to determine the direct impact of air pollution exposure before pregnancy on childhood obesity risk.

Future Research and Interventions

The researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC are planning a new study to monitor preconception air pollution exposure in Southern California. Additionally, they are testing an intervention that utilizes indoor air purifiers to reduce the risk of heart and metabolic problems among the general population. These initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to efforts aimed at improving public health and environmental sustainability.

About the Research

The study was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and involved collaboration between researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Duke University, Fudan University, Columbia University, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, and Yale University School of Medicine.

Authors of the study include Jiawen Liao, Zhanghua Chen, Wu Chen, Zhenchun Yang, Chenyu Qiu, Frank D. Gilliland, Yi Zhang, Kiros Berhane, Yihui Ge, Zhipeng Bai, Bin Han, Jia Xu, and Yong-hui Jiang.

This research was made possible with the support of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences through grants R01ES029945 and P30ES007048.

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 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
   • Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, disaggregated by treatment type.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– 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.
– 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.
– Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The indicators are:
– Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
– Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).
– Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, disaggregated by treatment type.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets by tracking the mortality rate attributed to non-communicable diseases, monitoring the levels of fine particulate matter in cities, and assessing the generation and treatment of hazardous waste.

The article specifically discusses the impact of air pollution on child obesity, which is linked to non-communicable diseases. It also highlights the importance of air quality in cities and the need for responsible waste management to minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: keck.usc.edu