Air Pollution Hurts Babies Even Before They Are Born

Air pollution continues to pose a significant threat to public health, especially for younger generations. Recent studies have shown that prenatal exposure to pollution can have lasting consequences on children’s health. New research, published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, explores the medium-term impact of prenatal exposure to PM10 particles on the health of children up to age 10. The findings reveal a significant increase in hospitalizations and pharmaceutical prescriptions, with consequences not only for the health of unborn children, but also for national health system budgets.

The study, titled “Beyond birth: The medium-term health impact of prenatal exposure to air pollution”, was conducted by Simone Ferro of the University of Milan, Alessandro Palma of the Gran Sasso Science Institute and CEIS, Chiara Serra of the Social Inclusion Lab and the Dondena Center at Bocconi, and Massimo Stafoggia of the Lazio Regional Health Service. Using satellite data on PM10 concentrations and longitudinal data on hospitalizations and prescriptions for all live births in Tuscany between 2006 and 2018, the authors analyzed the impact of prenatal exposure to air pollution.

Research has shown that a one standard deviation increase in prenatal exposure to PM10 (equal to 6 μg/m³) is associated with a 3.5 percent reduction in the probability of achieving a perfect Apgar score (the index that measures a newborn’s health status), a 0.1 percent increase in the incidence of VLBW (birth weight less than 1,500 g), and a 3.2 percent reduction in the probability of breastfeeding prior to hospital discharge. These effects translate into an increase in hospitalizations and pharmaceutical prescriptions in the first 10 years of life by 11.8% and 1.9%, respectively.

These findings are of particular concern because they suggest that the impact of pollution is not limited to the perinatal period but continues to adversely affect children’s health for years after birth. The implications are vast and affect not only individual health but also overall health care costs.

Chiara Serra underscored the importance of these findings, saying, “Our results suggest that the negative effects of air pollution on health are not limited to the period immediately after birth, but extend for years, increasing the burden on the health care system.” Moreover, “These effects are particularly pronounced in the most vulnerable children, indicating that air pollution exacerbates existing inequalities in child health.” Serra and her colleagues’ research also highlights the need for targeted strategies to protect the most vulnerable populations from exposure to pollution.

This study provides new evidence to support the need for stricter air pollution regulations, even in already regulated settings such as Tuscany. The monetary costs associated with prenatal exposure to pollution are significant, with an estimated savings of €564 per child if PM10 exposure were reduced by one standard deviation. This implies that pollution reduction policies would significantly improve public health even in settings that are already highly regulated and characterized by relatively low pollution levels, but also that the costs of such policies would be at least partially offset by significant economic savings to the health care system.

At a time when air pollution continues to be a global concern, this study provides further evidence of the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, such as fetuses, from the harmful effects of pollution. The authors hope that these findings will prompt policymakers to consider more stringent measures to reduce air pollution and protect the health of future generations.

The debate about air pollution and its consequences is gaining momentum, especially in light of recent climate emergencies and the increasing focus on environmental sustainability. Policies to reduce emissions must consider not only environmental benefits but also public health benefits, especially for children and future generations. In this context, the research by Serra and her colleagues makes a key contribution, highlighting the need for urgent and targeted interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution and mitigate its harmful health effects.

In short, the study shows that air pollution has long-term effects that extend far beyond birth. Protecting children’s health from air pollution is not only a matter of social justice, but also a long-term investment in the health and well-being of society. The evidence provided by this study should be a wake-up call to policymakers and a call to action to ensure a healthier future for all.