18 June 2025
A new study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, has found that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may influence how a baby’s brain develops before birth.
Changes in foetal brain development have been observed and associated with exposure to higher levels of air pollution at crucial stages of development. Pregnant women’s exposure was calculated when traveling, in the home, and workplace.
The study focused on pollution from nitrogen dioxide, PM2.5 and black carbon. Changes to the brain were noted especially during mid to late pregnancy.
Helen Lynn, Senior Consultant And Research Fellow (Feminist Toxic Free Futures) at Wen, says:
“Wen (Women’s Environmental Network) and our Green Baby campaign believes every child has the right to a healthy start in life, exposure to substances which may compromise brain development before they are even born is unacceptable.
“This is not the first time black carbon has been found to impact foetal brain development. This is three times worse for those living in areas with higher pollution levels, especially Black pregnant women and mothers. Every child has a human right to clean air and that should include during gestation.”
This issue has been repeatedly highlighted by the charity Global Child and Maternal Health (GCMH) – who make the connection between air pollution, social justice and racial justice. Wen also supports the tireless work of air quality campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE and the theellarobertafamilyfoundation, who have tirelessly campaigned to bring this issue to the attention of the public and legislators following the death of her child Ella from exposure to air pollution.
