Air pollution and children's health-a review of adverse effects associated with prenatal exposure from fine to ultrafine particulate matter.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Particulate matter (PM), a major component of ambient air pollution, accounts for a substantial burden of diseases and fatality worldwide. Maternal exposure to PM during pregnancy is particularly harmful to children's health since this is a phase of rapid human growth and development.

Method

In this review, we synthesize the scientific evidence on adverse health outcomes in children following prenatal exposure to the smallest toxic components, fine (PM_2.5) and ultrafine (PM_0.1) PM. We highlight the established and emerging findings from epidemiologic studies and experimental models.

Results

Maternal exposure to fine and ultrafine PM directly and indirectly yields numerous adverse birth outcomes and impacts on children's respiratory sys

SUBMITTER: Johnson NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8274666 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature