Industrial pollution has lasting effects on future generations, as evidenced by a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Utah. The study found a strong link between exposure to industrial pollution during pregnancy and the neurodevelopment of a grandchild. Specifically, children have a higher risk of developing intellectual disabilities if their grandmothers lived near industrial facilities while pregnant with a parent, particularly the mother. The density of industrial facilities in the area corresponded to a higher risk for the grandchild.
Lead author of the study, Sara Grineski, a professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Utah, expressed concerns about the long-term implications of industrial pollution on unborn generations. She emphasized the importance of considering the legacy of decisions made today in order to protect the health of future children and grandchildren.
The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, adds to a growing body of research on the intergenerational effects of pollution exposure. Previous studies have shown that direct exposure to toxins in the womb can increase the risk of intellectual disabilities in children. However, research on the impact of intergenerational air pollution exposure is still limited.
To conduct the study, researchers utilized the Utah Registry for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and the Utah Population Database to identify children diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and a control population born between 2000 and 2014. The Utah Population Database provided valuable data on family histories and residential addresses, allowing researchers to assess industrial exposure during pregnancy.
Roger Renteria and Kevin Ramos led efforts to calculate industrial exposures experienced by the child’s mother, maternal grandmother, and paternal grandmother during pregnancy. Historical data on polluting Utah businesses was obtained from Dun and Bradstreet business directories, which provided information on the location, years of operation, and potential health risks associated with industrial facilities.
The study revealed that children were at a higher risk of intellectual disabilities if any grandparent was exposed to pollution during pregnancy, with the highest odds associated with exposure to the maternal grandmother. Higher density of industrial facilities in the area correlated with an increased risk for the child.
Grineski’s research aims to further explore the impact of pollution exposure on future generations and emphasize the importance of addressing multigenerational health risks. The findings underscore the need for medical professionals, government agencies, and policymakers to take seriously the long-term effects of industrial pollutants on cognitive health across generations.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of environmental pollution, it is crucial to consider the implications for future generations and take proactive measures to protect the health and well-being of our children and grandchildren. The study serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental health and the importance of sustainable practices for the benefit of all.
