PracticeUpdate Conference Series: ERS 2018

" This new research suggests a possible mechanismof how babies are affected by pollutionwhile being theoretically protected in the womb. This should raise awareness among clinicians and the public regarding harmful effects of air pollution in pregnant women. "

Mina Gaga, MD, of Athens Chest Hospital in Greece, who was not involved in the study, commented: “Previous research shows that pregnant women liv- ing in polluted cities are more prone to pregnancy issues such as restricted fetal growth, premature birth, and low-birth-weight babies. Increased risk of low birth weight can happen even at pollution levels lower than the recommended European Union annual limit.” She continued, “This new research suggests a possible mechanism of how babies are affected by pollution while being theoretically protected in the womb. This should raise awareness among clinicians and the public regarding harmful effects of air pollution in pregnant women. “We need stricter policies for cleaner air to reduce the impact of pollution on health worldwide because we are already seeing a new population of young adults with health issues,” she added.

The researchers worked with five pregnant women scheduled for cesarean section. They were all nonsmokers who experienced an uncomplicated pregnancy and each gave birth to a healthy baby. The researchers were interested in placental macrophages. The team studied 3500 placental macrophage cells from the five placentas and examined them under a high-power microscope. They found 60 cells that, between them, contained 72 small black areas that they believed were carbon particles. On average, each placenta contained approximately 5 µm 2 of this black substance. They studied the placental macrophages from two placentas in greater detail using electron micros- copy and again found material they believed was tiny carbon particles. Previous research has indicated links between pregnant mothers’ exposure to air pollution and premature birth, low birth weight, infant mortality, and childhood respiratory problems. In previous research, the team used the same techniques to identify and measure these sooty particles in macrophages of subjects’ airways.

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© ERS 2018

ERS 2018 • PRACTICEUPDATE CONFERENCE SERIES 11