Air pollution particles can get into the organs of foetuses as they develop in the womb, potentially damaging development, a study has suggested.

Academics from the University of Aberdeen and Hasselt University in Belgium found evidence of black carbon particles - also known as soot particles - in blood in the umbilical cord.

That, in turn, shows they can cross the placenta.

Air pollution has been linked with "pre-term birth, low weight babies and disturbed brain development", scientists said.

Pollution can reach babies in the womb and could damage developing organs, scientists say | UK News | Sky News