Pollution and Cognitive Development

Last December, UNICEF sounded the alarm. Its report, “Danger in the Air”, measures the impact of air pollution on brain development in children.

Since the year 2000, there have been more and more studies suggesting the harmfulness of exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, resulting in a low baby weight, an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, etc.
According to the authors of the UNICEF report, air pollution affects memory, linguistic and motor skills and IQ in children; this was already suggested by a U.S. study in 2009.
Based on this report, fine particles cross the placenta and may damage the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from toxic substances. Exposed fetuses and children would present an increased risk of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, at an advanced age.