Study links air pollution to preterm births, low birth weight in India
Air pollution has been associated with a danger that has been folded by millions of people changing in India every day, a number of respiratory disease, heart conditions, and increasing list of health problems. Now, a new study reveals that air pollution extends far beyond the lungs and hearts and affects people before they are born.
It was published Plos Global Public HealthThe study was carried out by researchers from institutions in India, Thailand, Ireland and the UK with satellite data from the National Family Health Research (NFHS). The team evaluated the effect of environmental quality on the birth results of the air quality, especially on preterm births (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). Data Cluster Children between 0 and 5 years; 52% were female and 48%.
The results show that exposure to thin particle substance (PM2.5) during pregnancy significantly increases the probability of these negative results. PM2.5 consists of particles in the air less than 2.5 micrometer.
According to the study, the chances of the mothers who were exposed to increased PM2.5 levels were 70% higher than those who were not exposed. For mothers exposed to higher air pollution levels, the likelihood of a baby with a low birth weight increased by 40%.
Northern states are at more risk
In particular, a significant finding in the study is regional inequality: Delhi, Punjab, Hareana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar carry the burden of the results of air pollution. It is known that these regions are intensively industrialized with the widespread use of common fuels for cooking and cooking.
This result is compatible with previous reports. Another new work LANCET The average pm2.5 concentration in Delhi was 13.8 times higher than Kerala.
PTB was most common in Himachal Pradesh (39%) and Delhi (17%), while LBW was most common in Punjab (22%) and Delhi (19%). Women were more likely to be born with LBW (20%) compared to men (17%) – but both situations were found to be more frequent among the children of illiterate and poor mothers.
Households that use solid fuel for cooking also reported higher rates of both LBW and PTB ratios.
Higher PM2.5 levels during pregnancy significantly increased the probability of both LBW and PTB by 1.37x and 1.67x, even if not PTB, even if not a slight increase in a temperature due to an increase in LBW cases.
Higher temperatures are previously linked to material dehydration, heat stress and increased cardiovascular strain, all of which disrupt the placental function and disrupt fetal growth. On the contrary, excessive rainfall increases the risk of water -induced infection that can prevent fetal growth, especially during monsoon.
Flood and displacement associated with heavy rains may also disrupt access to health services, which can lead to delayed medical interventions and increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications.
Region -specific interventions
Although the findings of the study have made some progress in the fight against air pollution with initiatives such as India’s National Clean Air Program, it clarifies more to reduce the risks of bad weather quality. The results of the study are a step in the right direction to reduce the concentration of particulate substance concentrations by 2024, but it may not be enough to address the growing public health crisis.
The authors call more comprehensive interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution in Northern India, which is defined as the most vulnerable region. In addition to addressing external air pollution, the study emphasizes the importance of overcoming interior pollution, especially in household peoples caused by the burning of solid fuels. Better access to clean cooking technologies and clean energy can significantly reduce the harmful effects of interior air pollution, especially in rural areas.
The research also requires more integration of air quality data with health surveillance systems to identify risk populations and implement targeted interventions.
In order to reduce the effects of air pollution on mother and child health, a more local approach focusing on the special needs of high -risk zones is required. In the study, it should give priority to the development of climate -resistant health strategies such as heat action plans and advanced water management systems to protect pregnant women from binary threats of pregnant women.
Published – 07 July 2025 06:30 IST
