Pollution's impact on unborn children: Study reveals alarming statistics
Breathing polluted air during pregnancy is putting more babies at risk of being born too early in India, says a new study by IIT Delhi, IIPS Mumbai, and international researchers.
The team found that high exposure to tiny particles called PM2.5 can lead to serious birth issues.
Northern states worst affected by pollution
Looking at health and satellite data, the study found 13% of babies were born early and 17% had low birth weight.
Northern states like UP, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana had the worst air quality, while Delhi and Himachal Pradesh saw the highest rates of preterm births—Himachal Pradesh saw a striking 39% rate.
Urgent need to protect pregnant women from PM2.5
Pollution spikes from August to November make things worse for expecting moms.
The researchers say it's urgent for India to boost its Clean Air Programme and focus on protecting pregnant women from PM2.5.
Cleaner air could mean healthier babies—and that's something everyone can get behind.