Air pollution impacts our everyday life, and we now know that it can negatively impact babies before they are even born. There is a multitude of research on how air pollution is linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, dementia, and more, but there is also a lot of emerging literature on the impacts of air pollution on fertility, pregnancy, and the health of babies and their mothers. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has called for more focus on air pollution. In our latest article, we delve into the evidence.

Fertility

In recent years, there has been an increase in female infertility, which now impacts 1 out of every 7 couples in developed countries. The health of eggs is part of the problem: particulate matter pollution is linked to the disruption of the development of eggs, evident by decreased IVF live birth rates by 38%. Male fertility is also declining, and this has also been linked with an increase in air pollution exposure. Even before conception, air quality is impacting the ability to create healthy children.

Inside the womb

Pollutants can also be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and end up in the placenta. Environmental factors such as air pollution may impact gene expression, leading to mutations that can pass on to future generations. The placenta can have build-ups of metal, black carbon particles, and more. This exposure to pollutants in utero can lead to miscarriages and stillbirth, which is especially concerning given the fact that pregnant women breathe a higher volume of air as compared to non-pregnant women. Taking in more air means taking in more pollutants, so avoiding air pollution is important in order to avoid adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Health of the baby

In a surviving foetus, health impacts from air pollution include low birth weight, preterm births, improper immune development, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), neonatal deaths, and abnormal foetal growth, amongst others. After infancy, air pollution is linked to adverse health impacts for children, such as childhood asthma, depression, psychotic experiences, and greater rates of respiratory infections.

Health of the mother

The health of the mother and the foetus are intertwined, but there are some adverse health outcomes that are exclusive to the mother. Higher rates of air pollution are linked to higher rates of hypertensive disorders, maternal thyroid dysfunction, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Solutions

While this information can be overwhelming, there are some simple solutions that can be implemented to keep safe. The main solution is to reduce air pollution exposure while pregnant, which ties into our mission here at Air Aware Labs. We offer personalised air pollution exposure tracking that is synced to your location. You can track your commutes, outdoor activities, and more to understand what you are exposed to and take protective action. Avoiding major roads, being careful during spikes in pollution, and having air filtration units indoors will decrease air pollution exposure and its adverse effects.

Written by MJ Brewer

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