Climate change could be messing with newborns' lungs

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-03-18 02:00

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French and Israeli researchers suggest babies born in areas that regularly experience hot or cold weather caused by climate change are significantly more likely to have troubles in their ability to fully expand their lungs, and faster breathing rates in baby girls. The study involved measuring the lung function of 343 mum-bub pairs, comparing the results from those exposed to heat at or above 24 degrees and cold at or below 1 degree, against those living in areas at a cool 12 degrees before and after birth of the child. The researchers also found that extra cold conditions were significantly associated with lower airflow through the lungs of female babies. Even though the team cannot prove the temperature causes the lung issues, they say long-term heat and cold exposure from the second trimester until 4 weeks after birth underlines the vulnerability of pregnant women under the effects of climate change.