How PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy impacts birth outcomes
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data from 2019–21, 13% of babies in India were born prematurely, and 17% had a low birth weight, and a major factor contributing to this is exposure to polluted air during pregnancy.According to the study, pregnant women exposed to high levels of PM2.5 face a 70% increased risk of premature delivery, risk of low birth weight increases by 40% with greater air pollution exposure, and a 10 g/m rise in PM2.5 levels is linked to a 12% increase in preterm births.Northern states like Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are the worst affected.The cleaner air in North-East India is associated with healthier birth outcomes.WHAT IS PM2.5 AND WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?PM2.5 refers to tiny particles in the air that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter. These particles come from sources like vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels and biomass. Because of their small size, they can easily enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation, reduced oxygen supply, and complications during pregnancy.'Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), has emerged as a significant public health threat, especially for pregnant women and newborns,' said Dr Vikas Mittal, Director of Respiratory Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Punjabi Bagh.CLIMATE AND REGION MATTERThe researchers used satellite data and NFHS survey results to measure the effect of air pollution on birth outcomes. They found that the upper Gangetic belt—including states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh—has the highest PM2.5 levels and also shows higher rates of premature and low-weight births.States like Himachal Pradesh (39%), Uttarakhand (27%), and Delhi (17%) reported a high percentage of premature births. Punjab topped the chart for low birth weight at 22%.In contrast, northeastern states like Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura showed better outcomes, likely due to lower pollution levels.LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON CHILD HEALTHLow birth weight and prematurity are not just short-term issues. These conditions increase the risk of:Infant mortalityDevelopmental delaysChronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease later in lifeadvertisementThis makes it crucial to address air pollution as a maternal and child health emergency.According to Dr. Neha Abhijit Pawar, Consultant, Gynaecology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, exposure to air pollution can even result in miscarriage and stillbirth. "These pollutants can impair oxygen and nutrient flow to the fetus, cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupt hormonal balance. Evidence shows that exposure during the third trimester is particularly associated with lower birth weight, while high levels of PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone are consistently linked to premature birth before 37 weeks," said Dr. Pawar.She added that toxic air pollutants like benzene and PAHs may interfere with fetal organ development, increasing the risk of congenital anomalies such as heart defects, neural tube defects, and cleft palate.Pregnant women exposed to polluted air are also at higher risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure) and gestational hypertension due to impaired vascular function and inflammation. Long-term exposure can impact a child's health even after birth, potentially increasing the risk of asthma, developmental delays, and behavioural problems.Vulnerable populations, such as those with low socioeconomic status, living in urban or industrial areas, or with pre-existing conditions like asthma or diabetes, face the highest risks and need targeted interventions.advertisementWHAT CAN BE DONE?The study urges immediate policy action to protect public health. It recommends strengthening the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which was launched in 2019 to combat air pollution. It also calls for implementing climate adaptation strategies, such as heat action plans and improved water management.The study also stresses the importance of raising awareness among pregnant women about the harmful effects of air pollution on their health and their babies.'We need targeted interventions in high-risk districts and public health strategies that factor in climate change,' the study authors noted.Tips for pregnant women to stay safe:Avoid outdoor activity during high-pollution daysUse air purifiers at homeWear certified masks (like N95) when stepping outsideConsult a doctor regularly for fetal monitoringAir pollution isn't just a threat to your lungs, it's a danger to the next generation.- EndsMust Watch
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NDTV
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- NDTV
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Time of India
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Time of India
2 days ago
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