By Shriniwas Jadhav
Increased air pollution is disturbing not only the environment but also human health and seasonal changes. Air pollution is now a global problem faced by every living organism on the planet.
How Air Pollution Has an Impact on Human Health
The increase in air pollution is disturbing our respiratory system slowly and steadily. Our lungs are most affected by air pollution, as the presence of pollutants in the air has increased cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and raised the number of cases of asthma in recent times. The pandemics like COVID-19 have already done damage to our lungs, and the presence of harmful pollutants in the air makes it more serious.
The gases like NO2 (nitrous oxide) present in air pollution can irritate our respiratory system and may increase the incidence of respiratory disorders like asthma. Air pollution is not only harmful for human beings, but it also affects crop yields.
The most common air pollutants are carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and others.
How Air Pollution Affects Pregnancy
Many studies have proven that air pollutants in air pollution have a direct impact on the foetus of women. Air pollution can harm pregnant women in a very costly way. Research has also shown the presence of pollution particles in placentas. Particulate matter (PM), which is a mixture of solid and liquid matter, can produce harmful effects. The air pollutants can directly affect the fetus. A child with low body weight or congenital abnormalities can also be born if one is living in an environment that is full of pollution. If the foetus receives oxygen from the mother, which contains air pollutants, it will have a direct impact on the birth of the child.
Prolonged exposure to air pollution will also increase the risk of miscarriage. New research has shown that unborn babies have air pollution particles in their lungs. The black carbon that is part of the particulate matter in polluted air can travel from the lungs to the placenta of pregnant women. the more polluted air inhaled, the more black carbon is seen present in the placenta. The black carbon is produced from gas and diesel engines.
How to avoid side effects of air pollution during pregnancy
Special precautions should be taken by pregnant women to avoid the effects of air pollution. One should always try to avoid the roads or areas that are packed with heavy traffic. Also, one should wear a mask while traveling. Indoor air pollution also plays an important role during pregnancy. Indoor air pollution consists of dust particles present inside our home or office, where we are working. Always try to keep your home clean and neat.
Pollution is increasing day by day. It is a global problem that has created problems for not only human beings but also for animals and plants. The sudden rise and fall in temperature Seasonal changes are all results of air pollution.
Pregnancy is a very important period for any woman. Iron supplements, calcium tablets, and multivitamins are almost always prescribed for every woman during this period, but the impact of pollution on pregnancy is hardly discussed.
(Shriniwas Jadhav (B.Pharm) hails from Sangli Maharashtra and writes healthcare articles)
*Correction: The third subheading had the typing mistake which was corrected on 6 December.
