News Items

News Item - August 2004

"Air pollution can cause fetal DNA damage"

A new study of the effects of combustion-related air pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs) in New York City reveals that babies in the womb are more susceptible than their mothers to DNA damage from such pollution.

These carcinogenic air pollutants are released into the environment as a result of combustion from car, truck or bus engines, residential heating, power generation or tobacco smoking

"These results raise serious concern," said Dr. Perera, the study team leader at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental health. "Fetal susceptibility to DNA damage from air pollution, including motor vehicle emissions and secondhand smoke, has important implications for cancer risk and developmental problems. And it underscores the importance of reducing levels of air pollution in our city."

An earlier study, published this year, also conducted by the Columbia Center was the first study to show that "combined exposure to second-hand smoke and urban air pollutants during pregnancy adversely affects birth outcomes."

• Read the Press Release   for the lastest study.
  
  
• Read the Press Release   for the earlier study.