Low-riding pushchair ‘ups risk of pollution to children’

PARENTS who use low-riding pushchairs could be exposing their babies to shocking levels of air pollution, according to a study.

Results revealed youngsters using the popular pushchairs could be breathing in 44 per cent more harmful pollutants than their parents during walks.

It also shows children at the bottom of a double buggy face up to 72% higher exposure to fumes than their sibling on the top seat.

The UK study investigated the amount of harmful air pollutants babies potentially inhale while out in a pram with their parents or carers.

Scientists looked at three different pushchair types – single buggies facing the road, single buggies facing parents or carers and double pushchairs facing the road.

Study author Professor Prashant Kumar, from the University of Surrey, said: “For parents, nothing is more important than the health of our children and this is why we at the university are continuing to build on this research to understand the impact air pollution has on babies travelling in pushchairs.

“Our research shows that choices such as the type of pushchair you use can impact on the amount of pollution your child faces when you are running a typical errand.”

Mr Kumar and his team assessed the difference in concentration of pollutants compared to those experienced by the adult pushing the pram.

The team simulated 89 school drop-off and pick-up trips, walking just over 1.2 miles during the morning and afternoon school run in Guilford.

Regardless of pushchair type, results showed babies could be breathing 44 per cent more harmful pollutants than those pushing the pram.

The team also found that pushchair covers reduced concentration of small-sized particles by 39%.

Mr Kumar added: “There is cause for optimism as our study confirms covers and upping the buggy heights appears to have shielded children from an appreciable amount of pollution under certain conditions.”