Babies born to mothers who live in areas with air pollution and dense traffic are more likely to have a low birth weight, according to a large European study.
The researchers, who included a team from the UK, found that babies were smaller even in areas with relatively low levels of air pollution, well below the limits considered acceptable in European Union guidance.
For every increase of 5 micrograms per cubic metre in exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy, the risk of low birthweight in the baby rose by 18%. Although they cannot establish from this research that air pollution is the cause of low birthweight, the authors of the study, published in the Lancet respiratory medicine journal, believe the link is strong enough to demand action.
London Green Party Assembly Member Jenny Jones said:
“London still has a problem with particulate pollution, with lots of people living in close proximity to busy roads. If this link between the level of pollution, the density of traffic and low birth weight is correct, then pregnant mothers need to be made aware of this. The Mayor needs to be tackling air pollution across London. His proposed Ultra Low Emission Zone, starting in 2020, is too little, too late. He needs to focus on reducing traffic by lowering fares and improving public transport, walking and cycling.”