Air pollution caused by road traffic is having a detrimental impact on the health of unborn babies in London. In a new study, researchers found a link between increases in fine particulate matter from road traffic and a 2-6% increased risk of low birth weight and a 1-3% increased risk of being small for gestational age. The researchers note their findings are most likely applicable to other cities with similar pollution and they call for environmental health policies to improve air quality in these areas.
BMJ, December 2017