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When pregnant moms breathe dirty air, it may adversely impact their baby’s brain, CU Boulder research suggests. 

The study followed 161 healthy Latino mother-infant pairs, using government data to calculate mothers’ prenatal exposure to airborne pollutants. At age 2, toddlers who had been exposed prenatally to more inhalable particulate matter scored significantly lower on cognitive tests. Exposure in mid-to-late pregnancy, when key sensory and motor brain circuits form, proved particularly detrimental. 

Previous research suggests inhaled pollutants may come into direct contact with the fetus, causing inflammation that can disrupt neurodevelopment. 

Racial and ethnic minorities and low-income populations are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy air. 

“Our findings highlight the importance of addressing the impact of pollution on disadvantaged communities,” said author Tanya Alderete, assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology.