King's College London links prenatal air pollution to delayed speech and impaired motor skills in babies
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Apr 29
King's College London links prenatal air pollution to delayed speech and impaired motor skills in babies
11 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 29
Researchers studied 498 infants born at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, finding those exposed to high nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in early pregnancy scored 5–7 points lower on language tests at 18 months.
Premature babies exposed to the highest pollution levels scored 11 points lower in motor skills, with the effects especially pronounced among very preterm infants. The study highlights disproportionate impacts on poorer and racialised London communities.
Experts warn that air pollution is a global health risk, with exposure often concentrated in low-income and marginalised populations. Researchers stress the need for further studies to assess long-term developmental consequences.
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