Pollution During Pregnancy Is Linked To Childhood Cancer

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Pollution during pregnancy is linked to childhood cancer
By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor
17 January 2005

Women who breathe air polluted with smoke and exhaust fumes are up to four times more likely to have children who develop cancer, a study shows. Research at the University of Birmingham suggests atmospheric pollution from oil-fired furnaces and vehicle exhausts may be the principal cause of childhood cancer.

By linking pollution "hot spots" round the country with the incidence of cancer, the findings show that pregnant women and those about to conceive who live near factories, power stations or major road junctions are at greatest risk.

The study, in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, will fuel speculation about the causes of childhood cancer which have baffled scientists for decades.

Cancer is a defect of cell division associated with ageing, but studies in children with leukaemia have shown that cancer cells are present from birth, suggesting the origins of the disease may lie in the womb. Heredity, radiation and viruses are among the suggested causes.

Some experts say childhood leukaemia, the commonest childhood cancer, is increasing, though the claim is disputed. If a rise in childhood cancer is confirmed, the increase in vehicle pollution could be a cause.

George Knox, emeritus professor of epidemiology, who made the study, said: "Most childhood cancers are probably initiated by close perinatal encounters with one or more of these high emission sources. The low atmospheric levels of these substances suggest the mother may breathe them in, with carcinogens passing across the placenta."

He added that "direct exposures in early infancy, or through breast milk, or even pre-conceptually, cannot be excluded."

Professor Knox compared a map showing chemical emissions for the UK prepared by the National Atmospheric Emissions Laboratory with details of all children who died of leukaemia and other cancers before their 16th birthday between 1966 and 1980.

The scientist said: "The evidence from this set of data is that these exposures account for half or more of cancers in childhood. This needs to be pursued with further research and we need to separate people from the sources of pollution and to reduce toxic emissions."