Air pollution linked to earlier puberty in girls

New research reveals that toxic air is accelerating puberty in girls, starting their periods at younger ages.

David Cox reports for the BBC.

In short:

• American girls now start menstruation up to four years earlier than a century ago, with air pollution partly to blame.
• Exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen gases disrupts hormone regulation, prompting earlier puberty.
• Early puberty is linked to long-term health risks, including higher chances of reproductive cancers and metabolic diseases.

Key quote:

"We're also seeing that these decreasing ages at puberty are even more pronounced in lower socioeconomic status groups, and ethnic minority groups."

— Audrey Gaskins, associate professor at Emory University

Why this matters:

Early puberty not only poses significant health risks but also amplifies social challenges like early sexual activity and unwanted teen pregnancies, particularly in the current climate of restricted reproductive rights. Read more: Air pollution linked to millions of birth complications across the globe.Air pollution linked to millions of birth complications across the globe.