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Project

The effects of exposure to traffic related AIr pollution on the cardiovascular health and neurocognitive performances in middle school CHildren. (CHAIR) (R-11394)

The number of families living in urban areas is rising sharply, which is associated with an increased exposure to traffic pollutants, including particulate matter. These particles not only damage our lungs, but also our cardiovascular system experiences the harmful effects. Young children experience a greater impact of air pollution on their health than adults because their lungs and immune systems are not yet sufficiently developed. In addition, air pollution can also contribute to structural and functional changes in the brain, making it a threat to healthy brain development. Because some health effects in children are more subtle and may take years to manifest, the causal link with air pollution is not always observed. This study will investigate the impact of traffic-related air pollution on the cognition and cardiovascular health of children in Brussels elementary schools. Using urinary black carbon measurements as an internal exposure marker, and air pollution models, air pollution exposure will be determined in 220 fifth and sixth grade children in different schools across Brussels. Next, cognitive performance and cardiovascular function will be studied in these children. Finally, because little is known about the underlying biological mechanisms by which air pollution causes these harmful effects, the association with telomere length and the immune system is also analyzed. Findings from this study can make an important contribution to preventive policies concerning urban air pollution.
Date:1 Sep 2020 →  Today
Keywords:epidemiology, air pollution, cardiovascular health, children, cognition
Disciplines:Epidemiology