Air Pollution Study

Introduction Developing organs are plastic and its growth and maturation trajectory can be influenced by intrauterine interferences compromising its function. Different environmental contaminants are known to impair growth trajectory of major organs, indirectly by (prenatal exposure) or directly (postnatal exposure). Among environmental contaminants, air pollution is receiving greater attention and recently the relationship between prenatal exposures and compromised lung development and function is becoming more evident. This means that, even before the first breath, the lungs are already affected. Exposures to air pollutants are ubiquitous and affects millions of people worldwide. Recently, WHO released a report that shows that 80% of the

Approximately 3 billion people in the world (WHO, 2016) are exposed to air pollution from biomass burning with use of solid fuels (coal and biomass) for heating and cooking in households. Also, wildfire activity is increasingly recognized as an important source of particles at the global scale (Liu et al., 2015). These types of burning emit several compounds, including mutagenic and carcinogenic substances, and can cause serious health problems (Naeher et al.,

Studies conducted by Jedrychowski et al. (2004) and van den Hooven et al (2012) have shown that that exposures to air pollution are associated with changes in anthropometric measurements (head circumference and femur length). A meta-analysis conducted by Vrijheid et al (2011) examined different anomalies and pollutant combinations. They found that exposures are related to increased risks for Tetralogy of Fallot, coarctation of the aorta and atrial septal defects. Other negative developmental outcomes (e.g. cleft lip/palate, abdominal wall defects) are described, however, they are inconclusive and more studies are needed (Padula et al. 2013a, 2013b, Ritz et al. 2002, Ritz 2010, Marshall et al. 2010, Hansen et al. 2012, Hwang et al. 2008, Gilboa et al. 2005, Estarlich et al. 2011, Dolk et al. 2010, Dadvand et al. 2011, Agay-Shay et al.