What is Air pollution?

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances and highly toxic gas released to the environment, affecting quality air. Almost all world population is affected by dangerous levels of air pollution, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular damage, respiratory problems, nervous system diseases, skin irritation, and other harmful conditions.

Common symptoms of air pollution are:-

• Watery eyes
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Breathing difficulties

How does air pollution affect pregnancy?

So many research on air pollution confirmed that, air pollution can affect to both pregnancy women and their babies also.

Here are some things to look out for:

• Low birth weight:
  Most babies born between 37 and 40 weeks then weight somewhere around 2500 grams and 4000 grams. Birth weight of under 6 pounds is considered low and can affect 1 in 12 babies. There can be several causes, but air pollution is thought to be one of the reasons behind this complication.
• Premature Labor:
  Studies found that approximately 3 million babies are born prematurely every year because of air pollution. This is due to increasing toxic chemicals in the blood and causing immune system stress, which can weaken the placenta surrounding the fetus and lead to preterm birth.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
  Women exposed to highly polluted air during their third trimesters then chances increases of delivering a child with autism. Autism refers to conditions that can challenge social skills, speech and non-verbal communication abilities, and repetitive behaviours.
• Asthma:
  Asthma causes due to some small particles in the air passes into the lungs and slow down the function of the lungs. If this problem happens during pregnancy baby will not get sufficient oxygen. Air pollution can also increase the chances of your baby developing asthma later on.
• Fertility Problems:
  Some studies have found that air pollution can contribute to infertility problems in both men and women. Air pollution has been linked to miscarriages.

How to protect yourself from air pollution

• Check your locations Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently.
• Invest in an air purifier:
• Create a healthy environment:
• Spend more time indoors:
• Grow Air-purifying indoor plants