Prenatal exposure to ozone is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for childhood obesity, with significant implications for public health. A new study investigates the association between ozone levels during pregnancy and the growth trajectories of children, offering insights into the early-life origins of obesity. The research found that a 10 μg/m³ increase in ozone concentration during pregnancy significantly raises BMI, weight-for-age, and weight-for-length Z scores in children. This exposure is linked to accelerated BMI gain and higher obesity risk in early childhood, highlighting the urgent need to address air quality to protect children’s health.
