Air pollution exposure during pregnancy linked to cerebral palsy, says study

Research says air pollution could be leaving babies in the womb vulnerable to developing cerebral palsy. — Freepik

SMOG, smoke and fumes could be leaving babies in the womb vulnerable to developing cerebral palsy, according to a team of North America-based doctors and scientists.

Writing in medical journal JAMA Network Open, the Harvard University-led researchers said inhaling certain fine particles was associated with an “increased risk” of the condition, which is the commonest cause of infant disability and which is found in between one and four live births per 1,000, depending on the location.