Exposure to air pollution in pregnancy and its effects on the fetus- a review

Author: 
Vignesh Devaraju

Man’s adventure into outer space has broadened the concept of air environment. The immediate environment of man comprises of air on which depends all forms of life. Human beings need continuous supply of air to exist. The requirement for air is relatively constant around(10-20m3/day). Pollution of air by dust, smoke, toxic gases & chemical vapors has resulted in sickness & death. Each organ systems in human body and placenta has different stages of growth rates and development during fetal growth and development with changing metabolic capabilities creating biological sensitive periods (critical windows) of susceptibility to toxic environmental exposures.1 Pregnant women may be exposed to toxic pollutants through variety of sources and routes. Inhalation of pollutants from indoor and outdoor air is the most common route of exposure. Outdoor air contains a mixture of many potential toxins. Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, suspended particulate matter, ozone, and lead are the major pollutants in air effecting the entire ecosystem.1 Hence the review article focuses on the association between exposure to air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Page: 
5720-5722
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DOI: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/23956429.ijcmpr202104997
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