Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), a complex mixture of particulate matter, metals, elemental and organic carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other constituents, is strongly associated with cardiopulmonary health effects. Evidence suggests the developing brain may also be a target organ for these particles due to translocation either from the respiratory system or through the olfactory nerve. Using an established pediatric epidemiological cohort with extensive longitudinal exposure assessment since infancy, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to TRAP during critical windows of brain development is significantly associated with changes in brain structure and organization. Our imaging study design targeted recruitment of participants from the cohort with the highest and lowest quartiles of exposure at time of birth. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2017 Annual Meeting & Categorical Course , 2017

Authors: Cecil Kim, Ryan Patrick, Beckwith Travis, Altaye Mekibib, Severs Rachel, Wolfe Christopher, Percy Zana, Maloney Thomas, Yolton Kimberly, Lemasters Grace

Keywords: brain, air pollution, diffusion