Research revealed that exposure of humans to black carbon not only causes air pollution after birth but also affects them during the first trimester of gestation.
A paper published in the Lancet says that they found black carbon particles in human core blood. It provides evidence that it was transferred to the fetal circulatory system. Moreover, they confirmed this finding further by identifying these particles in aborted fetal tissue samples, with an otherwise healthy pregnancy.
The particles were present throughout the fetal bodies. They were found in the lungs, brain tissue, liver, and placenta. But since the highest carbon concentration was found in the placenta. It backs the fact that the placenta is a barrier against harmful microbes and particles in the fetus. However, it is a crucial and worrisome finding at this stage according to the researchers.
Paul Fowler, co-author of the paper said in a statement,
We all worried that if nanoparticles were getting into the fetus, then they might be directly affecting its development in the womb,
He further added,
What we have shown for the first time is that black carbon air pollution nanoparticles not only get into the first and second trimester placenta, but then also find their way into the organs of the developing fetus, including the liver and lungs,
It is clear that nobody wants black carbon in their organs. Additionally, exposure to worldwide pollution is linked with respiratory and cardiovascular problems. It also contributes to premature death. However, the early presence of the exposure is even more alarming because these pollution particles are encountering the human body way before complete development.
Fowler said,
What is even more worrying is that these black carbon particles also get into the developing human brain,
This means that it is possible for these nanoparticles to directly interact with control systems within human fetal organs and cells.
Many studies have provided evidence of air pollution crossing the placental barrier. However, this is the first-time black carbon has made it to the fetal organs. Furthermore, it is of great concern and equally disturbing knowing that researchers found actual evidence of maternal-fetal transfer of black carbon. Additionally, it may be at its peak during the first and second trimesters.
While the researchers don’t understand why black carbon is hazardous, there is no doubt that it is harmful for pregnant women and babies.
Tim Nawort, co-author of the study said,
We know that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and infancy has been linked with stillbirth, preterm birth, low weight babies and disturbed brain development, with consequences persisting throughout life,
He further explained
We show in this study that the number of black carbon particles that get into the mother is passed on proportionally to the placenta and into the baby,
This means that air quality regulation should recognize this transfer during gestation and act to protect the most susceptible stages of human development.
