Public Health & Health Science Division, ULAB

Public health research has assessed the negative human health outcomes from continued exposure to air pollutants, in particular, fine particulate matter (PM2.5 , PM10), nitrogen oxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). Recent studies have honed in on expectant mothers and their developing fetuses as a large, at-risk population for these exposures. Ambient air pollutant exposure is linked with negative physical, mental, and behavioral health outcomes in both child and mother. Expectant mothers subjected to contaminants (PM2.5 , PM10 , NO2 , O3) over an extended period of time have an increased risk of their child being born prematurely with low birth weight and size, neurological delays, impaired motor and cognitive function, and development of lung related diseases such as cancer and asthma. In their early stages of life, children whose mothers were exposed to air pollutants during pregnancy also had detrimental mental and behavioral health outcomes. These negative health effects were not just limited to their children; expectant mothers also took this burden upon themselves. Pregnant mothers had elevated levels of blood cortisol and chronic stress, which ultimately impacts their child’s development in the womb due to oxidative stress and inflammation of crucial organs including the placenta. Researchers have found that mothers with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and asthma faced an even greater risk of air pollutant-related health complications. Expectant mothers also faced harmful mental health outcomes during their pregnancy and postpartum period. Additionally, researchers conducted geographical comparisons of residential areas with less air pollutant estimates versus regions with higher levels. Their findings showed that high ambient air pollutant levels were concentrated in predominantly low-income and minority communities and subsequently how these populations are the most vulnerable to its negative health outcomes. Public health research regarding maternal and child health has advanced rapidly in recent years, bringing to light about the issues of socioeconomic disparities and environmental racism surrounding air pollution exposure.