• View ecochildsplay’s profile on Facebook
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Twitter
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Instagram
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Pinterest
  • View Jennifer Lance’s profile on LinkedIn
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on YouTube
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Google+

Eco Child's Play

Live a greener, healthier life!

  • Environment
  • Pregnancy
  • Food & Recipes
  • Health News
  • Parenting
  • Green Toys
  • Beauty & Beauty Products
  • Green Home & Cleaning
  • Contact

Traffic Pollution Changes Genes in the Womb and Increases Asthma Risk

New research suggests that pollution from traffic can ‘reprogram’ genes in the womb, increasing the risk for asthma. The study is the first to link pollution to genetic changes, although researchers say that more studies are needed to confirm the findings.

[social_buttons]

The study, published in PLoS ONE Journal, looked at ACSL3, a gene expressed in the lung, and its association with asthma in children at or around age 5. The mothers’ exposure (while pregnant) to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was recorded, and the umbilical cord blood from their children was examined for the modified gene.

“Our data support the concept that environmental exposures can interact with genes during key developmental periods to trigger disease onset later in life, and that tissues are being reprogrammed to become abnormal later.” – Dr Shuk-mei Ho, study leader and director of the Center for Environmental Genetics at the University of Cincinnati.

Researchers found a significant association between high levels of maternal PAH exposure and the chemical changes which control activation of the ACSL3 gene.

“We know that children living in polluted areas have a higher incidence of asthma but what we didn’t know was it was affecting a gene.” – Dr Keith Prowse, VP, British Lung Foundation

Early detection of the modified gene may help to prevent asthma, which strikes as many as 25% of children in high traffic pollution areas.

“We don’t yet know whether air pollution can actually cause asthma and although this study is very interesting, further research is needed before we can say for sure. We do know however that pollution triggers symptoms in two thirds of people with asthma, and many say that a reduction in air pollution would make the single biggest difference to their quality of life.” – Dr Elaine Vickers, Asthma UK

[Via BBC]

Image: oxyboricua at Flickr under Creative Commons

  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • More
  • WhatsApp
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Subscribe!

« Blenders and Food Processors: Potential Sources of BPA and Phthalates
Breastfeeding Mom Gets Asked to Leave Restaurant. Again. »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search Content

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter


About Eco Child’s Play

Our ethos is to provide news, information, and opinions on natural, green parenting to help your family live a greener, healthier life! Additionally, we offer personal consulting services to help you achieve your green living goals.

Jennifer is a vegetarian, yoga teacher, gardener, hiker, teacher, and mother that has been living off-the-grid for over 20 years.

Contact Eco Child’s Play

It’s Time to Quit Plastics and How to do It

Reduce Plastic Waste with re-brush Eco-Friendly Toothbrush

More from the archives!

Convenient, Conserving Laundry Dropps

Will the EU Ban Food Colorings to Reduce ADHD and how will the FDA React?

Thank you Dr. King for Reminding Us to Dream

Do This 1 Thing to Reduce Chemical Levels in 3 Days

The Fresh Air Fund

COVID Back to School: Helping children cope with uncertainty

covid19 pregnancy

Does the Coronavirus Attack the Placenta and cause 2nd Trimester Miscarriages?

Information

  • About & Contact
  • Archive
  • Blog
  • Consulting Services
  • Disclaimer, Disclosure, & Sponsored Posts
  • Privacy Policy
logo
Food Advertising by

Canned Food and BPA

Update: Toy Recalls and the CPSC

bulk bins bpa

Do those plastic bulk bins contain BPA?

Another Eco Child's Play Kiva Loan

Autism Rates Significantly Higher Near Toxic Waste Sites

Popular Categories

  • Breastfeeding
  • Health News
  • Natural Childbirth
  • Parenting
  • Education
  • Product Review
  • Green Toys

Get our posts via email

Please stay in touch!

You might also like to read…

Cloth Napkins Specially Designed for Children

10 Green Book Recommendations: Are Your Kids’ Books Destroying the Rainforest?

Eco-minded Crafts for Kids: The Imagination Factory

Media Misrepresentation: Cosleeping Blamed for Infant's Death

pescticides

Prenatal Exposure to Pesticides Linked to Lower IQ

Copyright © 2021 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkNoPrivacy policy