Project R-15139

Title

Black Carbon Exposure via Human Breast Milk: Its Influence on Neurodevelopment and Microbiome Dynamics (Research)

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that ambient air pollution was estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide per year in 2019. Exposure to black carbon (BC), a component of traffic-related particulate matter (PM), has already been associated with adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Several studies showed that BC has the potential to reach various organ systems, including the brain or placenta. BC particles may also be able to transfer to the baby via breast milk. Breastfeeding is known to have many benefits for children. Unfortunately, several studies reported the presence of environmental pollutants in breast milk. In a pilot study, I discovered, for the first time, BC particles in breast milk. Most other studies focused on the presence of chemicals rather than traffic-related PM such as BC. To close this knowledge gap, we will investigate the presence of BC in breast milk in a population-based cohort. As exposure to air pollution can lead to impaired brain development, I will investigate the effect of BC exposure via breast milk on neurodevelopment in early life. Furthermore, since air pollution is suspected to affect the gut microbiome, I hypothesize that BC particles in breast milk interfere with the human milk microbiome, possibly impacting neurodevelopment in early life.

Period of project

01 November 2024 - 31 October 2027