Polluted air particles can reach fetuses in the womb, study finds

Air Pollution.
(Image credit: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can result in pollution particles reaching the fetus through the placenta, a new study suggests.

This could negatively impact the baby's health throughout their lifespan, per the study, published this week in Nature Communications, as adult diseases may originate in the fetal stage as the result of in utero environmental exposures.

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Taylor Watson

Taylor Watson is audience engagement editor for TheWeek.com and a former editorial assistant. She graduated from Syracuse University, with a major in magazine journalism and minors in food studies and nutrition. Taylor has previously written for Runner's World, Vice, and more.