Air pollution causes millions of deaths every year. All this time, many may feel that this air pollution will only have an effect on those who are exposed to the air outside. According to the latest research by scientists from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and Hasselt University in Belgium, air pollution also affects babies still in the mother's womb.
Carbon nanoparticles that pollute the air have been found in brain, lung and liver tissue of babies in the womb for the first time by researchers from the two universities. More troubling these thousands of particles are found and seen as not a small amount.
Researchers present the hypothesis that the particles are inhaled by the mother and because of their small size enter the blood system through the lungs. Then it enters the body of the fetus that is being conceived.
The short-term and long-term impact of carbon nanoparticles in infant tissue is still unknown and researchers suggest more in-depth studies be done. Previously, plastic particles had been found in human blood and lungs for the first time. It is clear that air and plastic pollution that we all take for granted is more serious than expected.
This research paper on air pollution particles in the body of babies in the womb has been published in the Lancet journal.