Read more about the studies the Center is conducting of the links between environmental pollutants and health risks.
Health Risks
The fetus and infant are more sensitive than adults to a number of environmental toxicants and carcinogens. Organ systems and biological defense mechanisms are still developing and cannot effectively cleanse the body of toxins. CCCEH research is showing that higher exposure during pregnancy to common environmental pollutants is associated with increased risk of disease in children. For example, babies with high prenatal exposure to air pollution just from fuel burning (PAHs) are being born with increased risk for developmental delay, asthma, and cancer.
Asthma — CCCEH research is showing that babies exposed in the womb to high levels of pest allergens (e.g. cockroach, mouse) are being born with immune responses and respiratory symptoms that put them at greater risk for asthma. Children living in Washington Heights, Harlem, and the South Bronx are at heightened risk of asthma compared to other New York City and US populations. In New York City, five of the seven zip code areas with the highest asthma hospitalization rates are located in Harlem. Between 25-33% of school age children in Central Harlem have asthma associated with air pollution, parental smoking, poor housing conditions, and allergens.
Cancer — CCCEH research is showing that children with high prenatal exposure to air pollution from fuel burning (PAHs) are being born with a type of genetic damage known to increase cancer risk. Early life exposures to environmental contaminants may be important determinants of cancer risk. Previous research estimates that for genotoxic carcinogens, as much as one-half of total lifetime cancer risk may be accrued before the age of 6 years.
Developmental Delays — CCCEH research in northern Manhattan and the South Bronx is showing that children with high prenatal exposure to PAHs had significantly lower test scores at age 3 years on standardized tests of mental and psychomotor development, scoring on average 5.7 points lower (6.3 percent) than less exposed children. Their risk of developmental delay by age 3 was 2.9 times greater than that of children who had lower prenatal exposure.
Impaired Fetal Growth — CCCEH research in northern Manhattan and the South Bronx is showing that babies exposed during pregnancy to high levels of pollution from fuel burning (e.g. diesel exhaust), pesticides, or secondhand smoke are being born smaller. Low birth weight is the second leading predictor of infant mortality in the United States as well as a major cause of delayed development and a risk factor for childhood asthma. Incidence of low birth weight is higher in Central Harlem, the South Bronx, and Washington Heights compared to all of New York City.