The findings indicated the relationship between birth weight and pollution was dose related - the higher the exposure, the lower the average birth weight.

BBC: Traffic fumes linked to lower birth weight

As the Taoiseach indicated, the Irish government punches above its weight on a whole host of critical issues.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and Taoiseach Cowen

The results indicated that the change in "environmental conditions" led to a shift of weight preference towards heavier women with the men considering a wider range of body sizes attractive.

BBC: Stressed men drawn to heavy women