The pollution would be harmful to the child even before its release to the world. A French team has already shown a few months ago that polluted air during pregnancy could have a significant effect on the size of the child. A U.S. study has shown that pollution is harmful to brain development of fetuses. Exposed children aged 5 years then accuse a delay of a few IQ points compared with similar unexposed.
This study was performed on pregnant women and their children under the direction of Dr. Frederica Ferrara Columbia University. Pregnant women living in the most polluted neighborhoods in New York were followed by portable devices for measuring the air. Then, their children, once born, followed by pediatricians until age 5. The study discovered that children were most vulnerable are equipped with an IQ slightly lower (some points) to less exposed. This difference does not mean it will determine the future and affect the social and intellectual development of children. However, these results tend to prove once again the influence of environment and pollution including pregnancy and its likely impact on the future child.
Note that the study reflects the results adjusted biases such as the IQ of the mother, home maintenance, and exposure to tobacco. But she took into account the socio-geographical variability, the most polluted areas are not they the least affluent and least favorable development calm and well surrounded by children? Is there not also an influence of outdoor air, but also the social environment? Has it been statistically removed?
Tags: Brain, Children, IQ, Pollution, Pregnancy, Pregnant women, Tobacco
