Air pollution is slowing down the brain development of newborns, a major research study revealed.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Have you ever wondered if the air we breathe can affect the brain of a baby growing in the mother's womb? A recent study has revealed this shocking truth.

In this research conducted in Spain, scientists found that if pregnant women are exposed to more microscopic pollutant particles present in the air - i.e. PM 2.5, then the process of brain development of their babies may slow down.

What are PM 2.5 particles?

PM 2.5 particles are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are about thirty times thinner than a human hair. These particles are produced by processes such as vehicles, factories, and fuel combustion. They contain toxic chemical compounds, but interestingly, they also contain elements essential for brain development—such as iron, copper, and zinc.

How do these particles affect brain development?

Researchers said that if a woman is exposed to these pollutant particles for a long time during pregnancy, then myelination – an important process in the child's brain – gets affected.

Myelination is the process by which the nerves in the brain are covered with a layer called the myelin sheath. This layer increases the speed of transmission of messages between nerves, which strengthens thinking and learning. However, if this process slows down, a child's brain may also slow down.

How was the research done?

For this study, researchers monitored pregnant women's exposure to air pollution and studied 132 newborns. After birth, these babies underwent MRI scans to measure the speed of myelination in their brains.

The results were clear: children whose mothers lived in more polluted environments had slower myelination than normal. This suggests that air pollution during pregnancy may impact the development of a child's brain.

Is this effect permanent?

Scientists say it's not yet certain whether this slower brain development will have lasting effects on a child's future abilities—such as learning, memory, or behavior. However, this study raises a new alarm and opens avenues for further research.

What is important for pregnant women?

• According to experts, avoiding pollution during pregnancy is extremely important.
• N95 mask should be worn while going out of the house.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to heavy traffic or industrial areas.
• Keep the indoor air clean by planting plants and using air purifiers.
• Pay attention to the Air Quality Index (AQI) released by the Meteorological Department.

This study makes us realize that air pollution not only causes respiratory and heart diseases, but can also affect the brain development of an unborn child. Therefore, clean air is not just a matter of the environment, but of the future of future generations.

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