Air pollution reshapes children’s nasal microbiome and reduces diversity in winter

How Air Pollution Alters Kids’ Nasal Bacteria - Legal Reader

How Air Pollution Alters Kids’ Nasal Bacteria

Air pollution reshapes children’s nasal microbiome and reduces diversity in winter

A new study from Milan reveals that short-term exposure to air pollutants like black carbon and VOCs significantly alters the nasal microbiota of school-aged children. These changes vary by season, with winter exposure reducing microbial diversity and favoring potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Study links air pollution to microbial imbalance in children

Researchers in Italy have examined how short-term exposure to air pollution can affect the nasal microbiota of school children in Milan during winter and spring. Nasal microbiota refers to the community of microorganisms – mostly bacteria – inside the nose and upper respiratory tract which form part of the body’s first line of defence against airborne pathogens and play a key role in respiratory health. The researchers monitored 95 children in w…