Tiny particles (called total suspended particulates (TSPs)), in the air probably have a greater impact on infant health than has previously been realized.
“The Impact of Air Pollution on Infant Mortality: Evidence from Geographic Variation in Pollution Shocks Induced by a Recession” is a joint study by a University of Chicago economist specializing in environmental regulation and his colleague at the University of California (Berkeley).
The particles range in size from barely visible dust specks to particles much smaller. They include both road dust and other suspended toxic and nontoxic material.
The study found that even a small drop in TSPs reduced infant mortality.