Although we’re becoming increasingly aware of the negative impact of air pollution on our health, as a society, we still don’t take sufficient measures to protect the environment and the lives of the most susceptible ones. What is the connection between air pollution and pregnancy?
Increased air pollution can be observed mainly in autumn and winter months, when the vast majority of us commute to work by car, and use various substances to heat houses. Moreover, numerous plants are far from being called eco-friendly, which results in increased PM 2.5 and PM 10 parameters. What are they, and why are they so harmful?
PM 2.5 is used to refer to particulate matters that are smaller than 2.5 micrometres. As you may guess, due to their size, they easily affect our lungs, bloodstreams and circulatory systems.
PM 10 refers to air pollutants and particulate matters smaller than 10 micrometres. Long-term exposure to air filled with such substances increases the risk of cancer, asthma, chronic coughing or shortness of breath.
Pregnant women and small children are particularly susceptible to negative consequences of breathing in polluted air.
As you may guess, to determine the possible impact of air pollution on unborn babies, it’s crucial to take into account a few factors such as the stage of the baby’s development when it’s exposed to the pollutants, as well as the substances the baby’s mother breathes in.
Long-term exposure to harmful substances like smog, smoke, toxic chemicals, dangerous cleaning supplies, mould or paint can have a tremendous impact on the unborn baby’s health. The list of possible pregnancy complications includes:
Moreover, polluted air can have dramatic effects on the mother, especially in the first trimester, when the risk of preeclampsia and high blood pressure increases drastically.
To protect your beloved ones and prevent them from the negative impact of breathing in polluted air, think about investing in special solutions for families that will allow you to monitor the air quality around you. Minimise the risk of pregnancy complications and keep your significant other safe.
In the times of the climate crisis and growing concerns about the future of our planet, the topics related to the fight for cleaner air […]