In a story circulating the globe, it seems that an enterprising businessman has come up with an interesting approach to China’s air pollution woes: Fresh air in a can. China unfortunately is renowned as a country with chronic air pollution in it’s major cities, and this is problematic for the millions of people exposed to this pollution each day as it can lead to and exacerbate respiratory-related, and potentially fatal, illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis in particular.

http://www.theage.com.au/world/canned-air-for-sale-in-china-as-blanket-of-smog-returns-20130129-2dht3.html

It seems that this air pollution also has ramifications for the next generation. A recent study from the US revealed that greater air pollution was associated with lower birth weights. Lower birth weights are associated with a plethora of increased risks to the infant, including developmental delays and increased risk of infection which can have lifelong ramifications.

http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Air-pollution-linked-to-low-birth-weight-4254514.php

This highlights the need for broad policy responses that include regulation of industry emissions – which is inextricably intertwined with the socioeconomic development and maintenance of nations – rather than simply targeting mothers in an effort to increase their child’s birth weight.

Policy responses in this circumstance must be informed by researchers, so how do we translate our research into policy?