Research shows harmful impact of air pollution on developing babies

It adds to a growing body of evidence linking air pollution to baby loss and pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, premature birth and low birthweight. 

The Imperial study shows: 

• Emerging evidence suggesting air pollution begins to affect people before they conceive by lowering sperm count and sperm mobility 

• Air pollution can also damage babies’ development in the womb, increasing the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and premature birth 

• Children living in London are particularly at risk of developing lifelong, chronic conditions, including poorly developed lungs, asthma, high blood pressure, inattention and hyperactivity, and mental illness 

We know that as babies undergo rapid growth throughout pregnancy they’re vulnerable to factors in their mother’s environment – toxic chemicals in polluted air can enter the blood, cross the placenta, and interact with a baby as they develop.  

Much more research on the link between pollution, miscarriage, and stillbirth still needs to be done, but there is growing evidence that regulations to better manage poor air quality could reduce these risks during pregnancy. 

The Mayor of London has been committed to cleaning up the city’s air and progress has been made in recent years, but this research shows greater action is needed to meet the World Health Organisation’s clean air targets. 

Our Chief Executive Kath Abrahams says:  

“There’s growing evidence linking exposure to air pollution during pregnancy to a raised risk of miscarriage, babies with low birthweight, and premature birth. There is a risk that parents will lose their babies to miscarriage or that babies will experience lifelong health complications as a result of pollution during pregnancy. 

“There is also new evidence showing the impact of air pollution on people’s ability to conceive. Alongside what we know about pollution’s role in pregnancy outcomes, it’s clear action must be taken as a matter of urgency to clean up our toxic air. When every single borough in London is affected, there is very little any individual can do to minimise the risk to themselves and their babies. Our government must commit to taking urgent action.”   

Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah is a WHO Advocate for Health and Clean Air and founder of the Ella Roberta Family Foundation. Her 9-year-old daughter Ella died in 2013 from asthma contributed to by excessive air pollution. Rosamund says: 

“This up-to-date research is a reminder of the damage air pollution is doing to everyone’s health especially children, and some of the damage will be irreversible. Two years on from Ella’s inquest and the urgent action that should be taken is still lacking. My hope is once politicians read carefully through more research they will reconsider Ella’s Law. Politicians must find the political will to deal with this health emergency and I will continue to urge doctors to help in raising awareness with the public. 

“It is essential in moving forward the Government must commit to a public health campaign, this will help in getting the message out to the country. We must also remember that those that cause the least pollution suffer the most consequences.”