When it comes to cerebral palsy (CP), many families are left wondering what factors might have contributed to their child’s diagnosis. While cerebral palsy is not caused by a single event or issue, ongoing research continues to uncover potential environmental influences, including new evidence pointing to the role of air pollution during pregnancy.
A large Canadian study published in JAMA Network Open in 2024 has revealed an important association: exposure to fine particulate air pollution during pregnancy may be linked to a higher risk of cerebral palsy in children born at full term.
What the Study Found
Researchers reviewed data from over 1.5 million mother-child pairs in Ontario, Canada. They tracked exposure to three common air pollutants during pregnancy, including fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃), based on where the mothers lived.
Out of the full-term births studied, 0.2% (3,170) of the children were later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The study found that for every increase in PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy, there was a 1.12x higher risk of a child being diagnosed with CP. This association was slightly stronger in male infants compared to female infants.
Interestingly, the increased risk wasn’t tied to any specific week of pregnancy, which suggests that overall exposure across the full term may be significant. No similar association was found with NO₂ or O₃ exposure.
What Does This Mean for Parents?
While the idea that something in the environment may increase the risk of CP can be concerning, it’s important to understand that this research doesn’t mean air pollution causes cerebral palsy. CP is a complex condition with many contributing factors, including genetic, developmental, and environmental. Rather, this study highlights a potential risk factor and opens the door for further investigation into how we can reduce risk during pregnancy.
Even with the increased risk, the overall number of CP cases remains low. Most people exposed to PM2.5 during pregnancy do not have children who go on to develop cerebral palsy.
How Does Air Pollution Affect the Developing Brain?
The developing brain is incredibly sensitive, especially during pregnancy. Fine particulate matter like PM2.5 can cross the placenta and may interfere with brain development through inflammation, oxidative stress, or epigenetic changes. These same mechanisms are being studied in other neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD.
Although researchers are still working to understand how and why these effects occur, the findings support efforts to limit air pollution exposure as a precaution, especially during pregnancy.
Supporting Families Through Research and Care
At Children’s Cerebral Palsy, Dr. David Siambanes is committed to helping families understand both the medical and environmental aspects of cerebral palsy. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformities, Dr. Siambanes has treated hundreds of children with CP, improving comfort, mobility, and quality of life through surgical and non-surgical interventions.
We remain focused on empowering families with clear, accessible information and connecting them with specialized care when it’s needed most. If you have questions about cerebral palsy or are concerned about your child’s development, we’re here to help.
Click here to request an appointment today.
