Doctors are issuing warnings.
A recent study has found that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases the likelihood of newborns experiencing health issues, particularly requiring care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that when pregnant women are exposed to higher levels of air pollution during the last month of pregnancy, it raises the risk of their baby needing NICU treatment.
The research specifically focused on nitrogen dioxide, a harmful gas produced by vehicle exhaust and power plants, and fine particulate matter, which is present in vehicle emissions and wildfire smoke. The study found that exposure to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide raised the risk of NICU admission by 30% to 35%, while exposure to fine particulate matter increased the risk by 11% to 22%. These findings suggest that even low levels of air pollution during the final weeks of pregnancy can significantly impact neonatal health.
Lead researcher Yohane Phiri from the University at Buffalo emphasized the vulnerability of the fetus during the last stages of pregnancy. He explained that the results of the study underscore the importance of addressing air pollution exposure, even at lower levels, to reduce health risks for both the mother and baby. The study compared birth data from 2018 with satellite data tracking air pollution levels across the U.S.
The findings also highlighted regional differences in risk, with the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic areas showing the highest chances of NICU admission due to nitrogen dioxide exposure. The risk associated with fine particulate matter was higher during the summer, particularly along the West Coast and in the Southeast, while winter posed a greater risk in the Northeast. No significant link between ozone pollution and NICU treatment was found, except in the summer.
While the study does not establish a direct causal link, the researchers advocate for local and national efforts to reduce air pollution. They suggest that improving air quality could help minimize the harmful effects of pollutants on pregnant women and reduce the associated health risks for newborns.
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