Exposure to PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and NO₂ and gross motor function in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Air pollution exposure has been related to negative gross motor development in children. However, there is currently a lack of conclusive evidence for such a relationship. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria to examine whether exposure to air pollution has an impact on children's gross motor development. Of the 9746 papers found, 7 studies examined the impact of air pollutant characteristics, such as PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂, on children's gross motor development. The results of the study reveal a significant association between air pollutants and an increased likelihood of negative gross motor development. PM₁₀ was discovered to be considerably riskier for children's gross motor development (effect: - 1.83, 95% CI: - 3.04, - 0.62, p value = 0.002). Additionally, NO₂ exhibited indications of a tendency to be connected to a detrimental impact on children's gross motor development (effect - 0.18, 95% CI: - 0.42, 0.07, p value = 0.097).  Conclusion: Our study indicates that exposure to PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and NO₂, especially PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, is negatively associated with children's gross motor development. However, further research is required to determine how exposure to prenatal air pollution affects children's gross motor development. What is Known - What is New: • In this study, we provide an overview of emerging data related to PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 exposure in child development, especially on the gross motor function that continues to emerge, and key findings are highlighted. • Additionally, we summarize the evidence on the underlying effect of air pollution on gross motor function from human studies.. • Overall, we emphasize that evidence from human studies is critical in suggesting detrimental child health outcomes of an action to promote preventive strategies that will effectively protect children's health..