Context

Air pollution is a daily reality for millions in India and has long been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Now, new research shows that its harmful effects begin even before birth. A recent study, using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and satellite-based air quality data, reveals how exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy significantly increases the risks of preterm births (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW).

Key Highlights:

Health Risks of PM2.5 Exposure

• PM2.5 refers to airborne particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres, capable of entering the bloodstream.
• Pregnant women exposed to high PM2.5 levels had:
• 70% higher chance of preterm birth (PTB)
• 40% higher chance of delivering babies with low birth weight (LBW)

Regional Disparities

• Northern Indian states face the greatest burden:
• Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar showed the highest PM2.5 levels.
• Delhi’s PM2.5 concentration was found to be 13.8 times higher than that in Kerala.
• PTB was most common in:
• Himachal Pradesh (39%)
• Delhi (17%)
• LBW was most prevalent in:
• Punjab (22%)
• Delhi (19%)

Gender and Socioeconomic Trends

• Female children were more likely to be born with LBW (20%) compared to males (17%).
• Children of illiterate and poorer mothers had higher rates of both PTB and LBW.
• Households using solid fuels for cooking also reported elevated PTB and LBW cases.

Influence of Temperature and Rainfall

• Even slight increases in temperature were linked to a rise in LBW, though not PTB.
• High temperatures contribute to maternal dehydration, heat stress, and cardiovascular strain, all of which affect placental function and foetal growth.
• Excessive rainfall during monsoon:
• Raises the risk of waterborne infections
• Causes healthcare access disruptions due to flooding and displacement
• Increases the chance of pregnancy complications

Suggested Measures:

The elevated risks of preterm births and low birth weight reflect both environmental and socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

Addressing this requires urgent steps such as:

• Reducing emissions from vehicles, industries, and household fuels
• Expanding access to clean cooking fuels
• Strengthening maternal healthcare
• Protecting pregnant women from extreme heat and flooding

Conclusion:

The study provides strong evidence that air pollution affects maternal and child health even before birth, especially in India’s most polluted states.

Cleaner air is essential not only for public health but also to ensure that every child is born with a healthy start in life.