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It is a fact that fossil fuels from diesel cars and coal-powered fire stations cause dangerous tiny particulate pollution. Sooty air pollution in towns and cities increases the chances of women giving birth to small babies, new research has shown. A study involving millions of births around the world found that higher pollution levels raised the risk of low birth-weight. Although small, the effect is said to be statistically significant. At national population scales it could have an important impact on child health, said the researchers. Babies are underweight at birth if they tip the scales at less than 2.5kgs, or 5lbs 8oz. They face an increased risk of dying in infancy, as well as chronic poor health and impaired mental development. The new study, the largest of its kind ever conducted, focused on tiny sooty carbon particles called PM10s and even smaller PM2.5s which are known to be linked to heart and lung problems and early death. They originate from a number of sources, including diesel exhausts and the chimneys of coal-fired power stations and factories. Professor Tanja Pless-Mulloli, who led the UK arm of the study at the Newcastle University, said: "As air pollution increases we can see that more babies are smaller at birth, which in turn puts them at risk of poor health later in life. "These microscopic particles, five times smaller than the width of a human hair, are part of the air we breathe every day. What we have shown definitively is that these levels are already having an effect on pregnant mothers." The research, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, examined the impact of a 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in average exposure to pollution particles over the course of a pregnancy. Furthermore, a continual trend of elevated low birth-weight risk with higher levels of air pollution also showed. For PM10s, this raised the chances of having a low birth-weight baby by 0.03%, which was said to be statisticall

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Looking forward to another great year this 2013? Are you already planning where to go and visit next? Travel can be fascinating.In fact, backpacking captures the essence of youth- freedom, independence, responsibility, adventure, and understanding. As the mind begins to contemplate the world we live in from the perspective of a wide-eyed young adult, travel pierces the heart and mind to awaken what is inside, challenge, and teach us. Europe… - An evocative name, but also the name of a continent that many people don´t know very well. We offer you the chance to discover Europe for yourself. Whether you are looking for a place to party or just a visit to a historically rich culture those suites your needs and all at your own pace then put Europe on top of your to-visit list. Here are some places you can choose from or you can visit them all. Liverpool, England Liverpool is already famous for its football club because of the two premiership teams, Liverpool and Everton. Their stadiums are situated at either end of Stanley Park. But there is more too this place and if you do not know this you might be missing out fun. You might want to visit this August, more especially if you are a Beatle's fan. The Fab Four was formed in 1960 and they just celebrated their 50th anniversary but the fan doest end there because Liverpudlians are looking forward to another installment of International Beatle Week in August in honor of their music and lives as one of the most influential pop groups of all time. The number of galleries and museums than any other city outside of London can be found here in Liverpool with the best bit with which the entry to most of them is FREE!Liverpool has more galleries and museums than any other city outside of London and with exhibitions changing all of the time; no two visits are likely to be the same. Rain or shine, young or old, it is definitely worth visiting one of Liverpool's museums.The festivities will carry on at the freshly minted Muse

very well said on your post, clap!