Health experts are sounding the alarm about the dangers of air pollution for pregnant women. Recent studies from the U.S. and Sweden suggest that exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy can increase the risk of autism in babies. Fine particulate matter, which consists of dangerous toxins, can enter the bloodstream and affect the baby’s brain development during critical stages.
Dr. Promise Sefogah, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Shape Healthcare Medical Center, explains, “During the first trimester, environmental exposures affect the baby’s formation. Pollutants can impact brain and nervous system development, leading to abnormalities.”
Children with autism may also be more vulnerable to air pollution. This can cause allergies and sensory problems, further complicating their development. Experts say activities like open burning and vehicular emissions are significant sources of air pollution, posing serious cognitive and brain development risks.
In Ghana, air pollution is a growing concern. Accra, the fastest-growing city in Africa, is experiencing worsening air quality due to open burning, increased transportation, and factory emissions. In Agbogbloshie, one of Ghana’s largest informal settlements, pollution from open-air burning is rampant.
Fati Fuseini, a trader at Agbogbloshie market, shares her concerns. “My children complain about the smoke here. They are unhappy and cannot stay overnight. They leave for their father’s house.”
The government is taking steps to address the problem. Public awareness campaigns are planned for Agbogbloshie, and new drop-off points for electronic waste are being established. These efforts aim to reduce open burning and promote recycling. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also monitoring air quality in highly polluted areas to alert residents about dangerous pollution levels.
Despite these efforts, health experts advise pregnant women to avoid highly polluted areas. If they must enter these areas, wearing nose masks can help protect themselves and their babies from harmful pollutants.
Autism, a neurological disorder affecting brain development, is increasingly linked to environmental factors like air pollution. Mary Amoah Kuffour’s daughter, Nana Yaa, was diagnosed with autism at age six after showing unusual behavior from the age of three. “It was a shock. You don’t see visible signs of disability, so to hear there’s no cure is hard,” says Mary.
Afi Antonio, founder of the Afi Antonio Foundation, is working to break the stigma surrounding autism in Ghana. “People said associating with children with autism would affect my future children. That mindset needs to change,” Antonio says.
Early intervention is crucial for children with autism. Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye, a childcare specialist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, emphasizes, “Many children with autism can do well with early therapy and support. They can become productive adults.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects one in every hundred children globally. In Ghana, awareness is low, and children with autism are often stigmatized as “spiritual children” or victims of witchcraft. Antonio is determined to change this perception and provide support for affected families.
The government of Ghana is working on various initiatives to combat air pollution and improve public health. The EPA is reviewing air quality management regulations and tackling road transport pollution, especially from minibuses known as trotros. These efforts aim to create a healthier environment for all residents.
While government actions are crucial, community awareness and personal protective measures are also essential. Pregnant women are advised to stay informed about air quality levels and take precautions when necessary.
The link between air pollution and autism highlights the urgent need for better air quality management. Protecting vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and children, is critical. By addressing environmental challenges and promoting early intervention for autism, Ghana can ensure a healthier future for its citizens.
Source: Ghana Web
