The air quality in Delhi this morning is in ‘very poor’ category with an average AQI of 360. AQI was recorded at 431 in Nehru Nagar, 411 in New Moti Bagh and 409 in Bhawana. On Friday, the AQI reached 390 at 10 am, 387 by noon and 382 by 3 pm, raising health concerns among residents. officers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is “the contamination of the indoor or outdoor atmosphere by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.” An AQI between 0-50 is considered “good”, 51-100 is “satisfactory”, 101-200 is “moderate”, 201-300 is “poor”, 301-400 is “very poor”, 401-500 is “poor”. Is considered “serious”. ” and above 500 is a “severe plus”.

Air pollution can have a serious impact on one’s health and this danger also looms on unborn children. Air pollution can also affect the fetus. Here, see how poor air quality affects fetal health and development.

reduced fetal growth

Exposure to pollutants such as PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and nitrogen dioxide during pregnancy can affect oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus, leading to slowed growth and potentially low birth weight. Is. Low birth weight is linked to several health complications, including a weakened immune system and developmental problems.

higher risk of premature birth

Air pollution is linked to inflammation and oxidative stress which may increase the risk of preterm delivery. Studies have found that exposure to high pollution levels, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, increases the risk of premature birth. Premature babies are at higher risk of respiratory, heart and neurological problems.

increased risk of birth defects

Pollutants such as carbon monoxide and heavy metals can cross the placenta and affect fetal development, increasing the risk of congenital abnormalities. Long-term exposure to high pollution levels increases rates of birth defects.

effects on respiratory health

Prenatal exposure to pollution is linked to respiratory problems such as asthma and poor lung function in children. Children exposed to pollution in utero may have impaired lung development, making them more vulnerable to respiratory diseases.

impaired brain development

Fine particles present in polluted air can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, affecting brain development. Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and cognitive impairment.

hormonal and immune disruption

Air pollution can also disrupt the mother’s immune system and hormone levels which ultimately affects the immune development of the fetus. This can increase the child’s risk of developing allergies, metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases.

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