Increased exposure to fine particulate matter, a form of air pollution, was associated with an earlier onset of menarche.
Exposure to Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Age of Menarche in a Nationwide Cohort of U.S. Girls
Go to source). The study, published in the journal //Environmental Health Perspectives, collected data from more than 5,200 girls across the US, that girls who had higher residential exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution throughout their childhoods tended to have their first periods sooner. Girls who have their first periods at an earlier age face increased risk for several diseases later during their lifetime, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Early Life Environmental Exposures and Reproductive Development in Girls
"While more research is necessary, it suggests that early life environmental exposures may play a key role in dictating the pace of reproductive development in girls,” explained Audrey Gaskins, senior author and associate professor of epidemiology at Emory University. The reproductive health of young girls can be protected, as early as in utero, through enacting policies and regulations designed to reduce the primary sources of particulate matter air pollution, including emissions from gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, and wood combustion.
Precocious Puberty
The period of maturation of sexual and physical characteristics is known as puberty and when these bodily changes happen before time it is known as ‘precocious puberty’.
The period of maturation of sexual and physical characteristics is known as puberty and when these bodily changes happen before time it is known as ‘precocious puberty’.
‘The research underscores the role of particulate matter air pollution as a possible environmental factor that could provide insight into the observed trend of earlier menarche in the past 50 years. #puberty #airpollution ’
The study only investigated a single type of air pollutant -- particulate matter. However, people are exposed to several different types of air pollutants, so additional research is needed to understand how/if multiple air pollutants interact with each other and if this mixture has a different effect on the reproductive health of girls. “We think that fine particulate matter may disrupt the endocrine system and, in part, lead to earlier menarche in girls. Although, additional research is needed to confirm this,” said Robert Hood, lead author from Emory University.
Reference:
- Exposure to Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Age of Menarche in a Nationwide Cohort of U.S. Girls - (https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP12110)
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Puberty
Puberty is a stage of biological transition from a child to adulthood. This is the time when the body undergoes a metabolic shift into adulthood.
Puberty is a stage of biological transition from a child to adulthood. This is the time when the body undergoes a metabolic shift into adulthood.
Air Pollution
Nearly 2.4 million deaths every year are attributable to air pollution. Air pollutants may be solid particles, liquid droplets or gases. Proper planning methods should be adopted to reduce air pollution.
Nearly 2.4 million deaths every year are attributable to air pollution. Air pollutants may be solid particles, liquid droplets or gases. Proper planning methods should be adopted to reduce air pollution.
How Forever Chemicals Lead to Delayed Puberty?
Forever chemicals or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in children, may cause them to mature later during puberty.
Forever chemicals or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in children, may cause them to mature later during puberty.
