Public radio’s longest-running daily global news program.
©2025 The World from PRX
PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402.
The United States and Great Britain took steps to clean their air following disasters like the 1952 London Fog. Now, Beijing has the world’s thickest smog, and the health problems could be dire. A new study has linked air pollution with low birth weight, showing that dirty air could impact human health for years after exposure.
Deadly smogs in the mid-20th century caused the United States and Great Britain to pass clean air legislation. Now, Beijing has the world’s thickest smog, and the health problems could be serious. Beijing journalist Jocelyn Ford tells host Steve Curwood about the air she’s breathing. Then, Dr. Tracey Woodruff explains her new study linking air pollution to low birth weight.