Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters
05:18

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters

Published on: July 12, 2024

942

Intrauterine and early postnatal exposure to outdoor air pollution and lung function at preschool age

Eva Morales1, Raquel Garcia-Esteban1, Oscar Asensio de la Cruz2

  • 1Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.

Thorax
|October 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution, like benzene and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), is linked to reduced preschool lung function. Postnatal exposure showed no significant effects on lung development.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Prenatal and postnatal air pollution effects on preschool lung function are not well understood.
  • This study investigates the association between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early life with lung function in preschoolers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the impact of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to air pollution on lung function in 4.5-year-old children.
  • To identify specific pollutants and exposure windows (trimesters, postnatal periods) associated with lung function deficits.

Main Methods:

  • Spirometry was used to assess lung function in 620 preschoolers from the INMA cohort.
  • Land use regression models estimated residential exposure to benzene and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) during pregnancy and the first year of life.
  • Recent and current exposures to NO₂ and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were also assessed.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal exposure to benzene and NO₂ was associated with reduced lung function (FEV1).
  • Higher prenatal benzene and NO₂ exposure increased the risk of low lung function (RR 1.22 and 1.30, respectively).
  • Associations were stronger in children with allergies and from lower social classes; no significant effects were found for postnatal exposures.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal exposure to residential traffic-related air pollution may lead to lasting lung function deficits in preschool children.
  • These findings highlight the critical window of prenatal development for air pollution's impact on respiratory health.
Abstract

Keywords:
Lung PhysiologyPaediatric Lung DisaeseRespiratory Measurement

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

9.6K
Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure08:17

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure

Published on: August 25, 2017

10.7K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
19
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children...
1.2K
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
26
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.5K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
4.0K