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Chapter 7 - Environmental Exposures in Early Life

Effects of Air Pollution, Chemicals and Climate Change on Human Health and Wellbeing

from Section II - Exposures Driving Long-Term DOHaD Effects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2022

By
Kirsten R. Poore ,
Marie Pedersen  and
Sibylle Ermler
Edited by
Lucilla Poston ,
Keith M. Godfrey ,
Peter D. Gluckman  and
Mark A. Hanson
Lucilla Poston
Affiliation:
King's College London
Keith M. Godfrey
Affiliation:
University of Southampton
Peter D. Gluckman
Affiliation:
University of Auckland
Mark A. Hanson
Affiliation:
University of Southampton
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Summary

The environment is responsible for one third of the global disease burden. The rapid and critically timed developmental period before birth and during early childhood is particularly sensitive to disruption by environmental factors, leading to both immediate and long-term effects. The scope of environmental hazards is extensive and exposure is widespread. This chapter will describe the effects of air pollution, chemicals and climate change. Air pollution is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes and particularly affects respiratory health in children. Many chemicals are present in everyday life, and early life exposure is associated with a wide range of non-communicable diseases. Climate change will affect the basic requirements for health and increase exposure to air pollution, chemicals and trauma, bringing about greater health inequities. Investing in healthy environments in early life will give the next generation the best chance to reach their developmental potential and live a long and healthy life.

Type
Chapter
Information
Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , pp. 56 - 65
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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