Exposure to high lead rates in air increases the risk of infants’ death, according to a new study.
- Despite measures, the lead concentrations in the air remain largely important due to industrial emissions.
- A study shows a link between lead concentration in air and infant mortality.
- A higher concentration of lead has increased deaths due to low birth weight or even sudden death.
Despite the taking of several environmental measures in recent decade, lead emissions in the air remain fairly high, largely due to the industry. And it is not without consequences for the health of infants. A new study by Carnegie Mellon University, Boston College and Hunan University reveals a link between the concentration of lead in air and infant mortality.
The study was shared in February on Nber.
Lead in the air: an increase in baby death risk
To assess the risks of exposure to lead in the air on babies, the researchers have taken over the lead and air quality monitoring data of the USA environmental protection agency (EPA), the weather assessments of 127 American counties as well as those on infant health of the National Center for Health Statistics.
Analyzes have shown that higher leading concentrations of lead have caused higher infant mortality rates in the first month and the first year of infants.
“This suggests that in utero and environmental exhibitions both have their importance”note the authors in their press release.
More specifically, a higher concentration of lead in the air was linked to an increase in deaths due to low birth weight, sudden unexplained death of infants and respiratory and nervous causes.
Lead emission: the measures avoid up to 59 deaths per year
For researchers, their work confirms once again that it is essential to take measures to reduce lead emissions in the air and clean the floors in order to preserve the health of children.
“Approximate calculations indicate that the decrease in fugitive lead emissions made it possible to avoid 34 to 59 deaths of infants per year, generating profits from 380 to 670 million dollars per year”specifies Edson Severnini, associate professor of economy at the Boston College and co-author of the study.
