Exposure to household air pollution, particularly carbon monoxide, can alter babies’ birth weights and increase their risk of developing lung infections.
- Carbon monoxide air pollution in homes is a risk factor for low birth weight and pneumonia in babies, a new study has found.
- The risk of pneumonia after exposure to carbon monoxide during pregnancy was higher for girls.
- Researchers recommend taking steps to reduce exposure to carbon monoxide during pregnancy.
Indoor air pollution is a major public health problem. At the global level, it is mainly linked to the use of solid fuels (like wood and coal) and kerosene for heating and cooking. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)the latter increases the risk of stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, among other things. But it’s not just the inhabitants who are affected by this carbon monoxide pollution. carbonunborn babies too.
Carbon monoxide : exposure during pregnancy reduces body weight Babe
The impact of carbon monoxide household air pollution on the health of newborn babies was presented in a study published in the journal Environment International June 23, 2023. The researchers followed 1,196 pairs mother-child to Kintampo (Ghana) by assessing prenatal exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) in the house, four times during the pregnancy. They also measured the babies’ birth weight within 72 hours of delivery. The results show that prenatal exposure to CO early or mid-gestation (from the 15th to the 20th week) was associated with lower birth weight.
The study highlighted “a 39 gram lower birth weight and a 14% higher likelihood of low birth weight per 1 part per million increase (ppm) average prenatal exposure to CO“write the authors of the scientific article.
Indoor air pollution: higher risks of pneumonia too
The team also discovered that prenatal exposure to carbon monoxide at the end of pregnancy (ie between the 34th and 39th week) was linked to an increased risk of pneumonia, especially in girls. During the study, 25% of the children had at least one episode of pneumonia diagnosed by a doctor. The form was serious for 9% of the cohort.
The authors conclude: “In summary, we identify time-varying associations between prenatal exposure to household air pollution and low birth weight and higher pneumonia risk. to household air pollution during the in utero period”. It is therefore essential to put in place “public health efforts that target teenage pregnancies for cleaner fuel cooking interventions”.
For them, governments and health organizations must work together to reduce the risks for mother and baby. Ultimately, family health depends on the quality of the air we breathe in our homes.
