Effects Of Air Pollution on Child Birth

Effects Of Air Pollution on Child Birth : Recently, a study published in PLOS Global Public Health revealed that the harmful effects of air pollution begin even before birth, impacting pregnancy outcomes and child health.

o The study, conducted by researchers from India, Thailand, Ireland, and the UK, combined data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) with satellite-based air pollution measurements to reach its conclusions.

• Key Findings : Air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), adversely affects pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW).

o Increased Risk from PM2.5: Mothers exposed to high levels of PM2.5 had a 70% higher risk of delivering prematurely.

ü The risk of giving birth to a low birth weight baby increased by 40% under similar exposure.

o Regional Disparities: Northern states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar are the most affected due to industrial activity, vehicle emissions, and solid fuel use.

ü PTB was highest in Himachal Pradesh (39%) and Delhi (17%).

ü LBW was most prevalent in Punjab (22%) and Delhi (19%).

o Gender Disparity: Female infants showed a higher prevalence of LBW (20%) compared to males (17%).

• About NFHS: A large-scale, multi-round survey conducted across a nationally representative sample of Indian households.

o Aim : Gather reliable and updated data on key health indicators such as fertility, family planning, mortality, and maternal and child health.

o Under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), GoI.

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