Air pollution and pregnancy

Abstract

Increased fossil fuel usage and extreme climate change events have led to global increases in greenhouse gases and particulate matter with 99% of the world's population now breathing polluted air that exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended limits. Pregnant women and neonates with exposure to high levels of air pollutants are at increased risk of adverse health outcomes such as maternal hypertensive disorders, postpartum depression, placental abruption, low birth weight, preterm birth, infant mortality, and adverse lung and respiratory effects. While the exact mechanism by which air pollution exerts adverse health effects is unknown, oxidative stress as well as epigenetic and immune mechanisms are thought to play roles. Comprehensive, global efforts are urgently required to tackle the health challenges posed by air pollution through policies and action for reducing air pollution as well as finding ways to protect the health of vulnerable populations in the face of increasing air pollution.

Keywords: Air pollution; Health outcomes; Maternal; Neonate; Pregnancy.

Figure 1:

Increased use of fossil fuel has led to increases in greenhouse gases and pollen season length and frequency and intensity of wildfires, and sand and dust storms. Pregnant women, their fetuses and newborn infants are particularly vulnerable to adverse health effects such as maternal hypertensive disorders, postpartum depression, low birth weight, and preterm birth. In the face of worsening climate change adaptation measures (e.g., filters, masks) and mitigation measures (e.g., decreases in fossil fuel usage, increase in green spaces) are urgently needed.