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The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Study links air pollution to preterm births, low birth weight in India
Air pollution, a hazard endured everyday by millions across India in varying degrees, has long been associated with a range of respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and a growing list of health issues. Now, a new study reveals the damaging effects of air pollution extend far beyond the lungs and heart, affecting people before they are even born. Published in PLoS Global Public Health, the study was carried out by researchers from institutions in India, Thailand, Ireland, and the UK, with data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) along with satellite data. The team assessed the influence of ambient air quality on birth outcomes, specifically preterm births (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). The dataset included children aged 0 to 5 years; 52% were female and 48% male. The results suggest that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy significantly increases the likelihood of these adverse outcomes. PM2.5 consists of airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. According to the study, mothers exposed to increased levels of PM2.5 had a 70% higher chance of delivering prematurely compared to those who weren't exposed. The odds of giving birth to a baby with low birth weight rose by 40% for mothers who faced higher air pollution levels. Northern states at more risk A particularly significant finding in the study is the regional disparity: specifically, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar bear the brunt of the consequences of air pollution. These regions are known for being heavily industrialised with high vehicular emissions and the widespread use of solid fuels for cooking. This conclusion aligns with previous reports. Another recent study in The Lancet reported that the average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi was 13.8-times higher than that in Kerala. PTB was most prevalent in Himachal Pradesh (39%) and Delhi (17%) while LBW was most common in Punjab (22%) and Delhi (19%). Female children were more likely to be born with LBW (20%) compared to males (17%) — although both conditions were found to be more frequent among children of illiterate and poorer mothers. Households that used solid fuel to cook also reported higher rates of both LBW and PTB. Higher levels of PM2.5 during pregnancy significantly increased the likelihood of both LBW and PTB by 1.37x and 1.67x, respectively, with even a slight rise in temperature linked to an increase in LBW cases, though not PTB. Higher temperatures have previously been linked to maternal dehydration, heat stress, and increased cardiovascular strain, all of which impair placental function and disrupt foetal growth. Conversely, excessive rainfall, especially during the monsoon, raises the risk of waterborne infections, which can further hinder foetal growth, the study suggests. Flooding and displacement associated with heavy rains can also disrupt healthcare access, leading to delayed medical interventions and increasing the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Region-specific interventions The study's findings clarify that while India has made some progress in tackling air pollution with initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme, more needs to be done to mitigate the risks posed by poor air quality. The study's results suggest the government's target to reduce particulate matter concentrations by 20% by 2024 is a step in the right direction, although it may not be enough to address the public health crisis growing in tandem. The authors call for more comprehensive interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution, particularly in North India, which has been identified as the most vulnerable region. In addition to addressing outdoor air pollution, the study highlights the importance of tackling indoor pollution, particularly from the burning of solid fuels in households. Cleaner cooking technologies and better access to clean energy could significantly reduce the harmful effects of indoor air pollution, especially in rural areas. The research also calls for greater integration of air quality data with health surveillance systems to identify at-risk populations and implement targeted interventions. A more localised approach, focusing on the specific needs of high-risk regions, is necessary to mitigate the impacts of air pollution on maternal and child health. Public health initiatives should prioritise the development of climate-resilient healthcare strategies, such as heat action plans and improved water management systems, to protect pregnant women from the dual threats of air pollution and extreme weather events, the study says.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India's health survey data reveals 13% children born prematurely, 17% with low birth weight
New Delhi: India's demographic health survey 2019-21 reveals that 13 per cent of children were born prematurely, and 17 per cent with a low weight at birth, with air pollution contributing to the adverse birth outcomes . Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, and institutes in the UK and Ireland looked at the National Family Health Survey-5 and remote sensing data to analyse how exposure to air pollution in pregnancy impacted the delivery outcomes. The team found that an increased exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was related with a 40 per cent chance of low birth weight, and 70 per cent of premature delivery. Climate conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, were found to have a greater link with adverse birth outcomes. The study, published in the journal PLoS Global Public Health, also found that children living in the northern districts of India could be more vulnerable to the ambient air pollution. Measuring under 2.5 microns in diameter, fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is considered among the most harmful air pollutants, sources of which include burning of fossil fuels and biomass. The researchers found higher levels of PM2.5 pollutants over the upper Gangetic region, covering states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, and lower levels in the country's southern and north-eastern regions. A higher prevalence of premature births was seen in northern states, such as Himachal Pradesh (39 per cent), Uttarakhand (27 per cent), Rajasthan (18 per cent), and Delhi (17 per cent). Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura exhibited a lower prevalence of the trend. Punjab was found to have the highest prevalence of lower birth weight at 22 per cent, followed by Delhi, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. North-east India fared far better on the metric, the authors said. "Utilising data from the national family health survey and raster images, the study employs various statistical analyses and spatial models to elucidate the connection between in-utero exposure to air pollution and birth outcomes," the authors wrote. They "observed that approximately 13 per cent of children were born prematurely, and 17 per cent were born with low birth weight." Further, an increase of 10 microgram per cubic metre in PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increase of five per cent in the prevalence of low birth weight, and 12 per cent in premature birth. The team added that 18 per cent of children born in the five years preceding the National Family Health Survey-5 had a low weight at birth. The authors called for targeted interventions, especially in the northern districts, and an intensification of the National Clean Air Program. Launched in 2019, the programme is aimed at improving air quality in India by addressing PM levels. The researchers also advocated for climate adaptation strategies, such as heat action plans and water management, to be included in public health planning. Awareness of risks due to air pollution and climate change should be raised as part of public health initiatives, especially among pregnant women, the team said.
NDTV
03-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
13% Children Born Prematurely. 17% With Low Birth Weight In India: Report
New Delhi: India's demographic health survey 2019-21 reveals that 13 per cent of children were born prematurely, and 17 per cent with a low weight at birth, with air pollution contributing to the adverse birth outcomes. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, and institutes in the UK and Ireland looked at the National Family Health Survey-5 and remote sensing data to analyse how exposure to air pollution in pregnancy impacted the delivery outcomes. The team found that an increased exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was related with a 40 per cent chance of low birth weight, and 70 per cent of premature delivery. Climate conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, were found to have a greater link with adverse birth outcomes. The study, published in the journal PLoS Global Public Health, also found that children living in the northern districts of India could be more vulnerable to the ambient air pollution. Measuring under 2.5 microns in diameter, fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is considered among the most harmful air pollutants, sources of which include burning of fossil fuels and biomass. The researchers found higher levels of PM2.5 pollutants over the upper Gangetic region, covering states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, and lower levels in the country's southern and north-eastern regions. A higher prevalence of premature births was seen in northern states, such as Himachal Pradesh (39 per cent), Uttarakhand (27 per cent), Rajasthan (18 per cent), and Delhi (17 per cent). Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura exhibited a lower prevalence of the trend. Punjab was found to have the highest prevalence of lower birth weight at 22 per cent, followed by Delhi, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. North-east India fared far better on the metric, the authors said. "Utilising data from the national family health survey and raster images, the study employs various statistical analyses and spatial models to elucidate the connection between in-utero exposure to air pollution and birth outcomes," the authors wrote. They "observed that approximately 13 per cent of children were born prematurely, and 17 per cent were born with low birth weight." Further, an increase of 10 microgram per cubic metre in PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increase of five per cent in the prevalence of low birth weight, and 12 per cent in premature birth. The team added that 18 per cent of children born in the five years preceding the National Family Health Survey-5 had a low weight at birth. The authors called for targeted interventions, especially in the northern districts, and an intensification of the National Clean Air Program. Launched in 2019, the programme is aimed at improving air quality in India by addressing PM levels. The researchers also advocated for climate adaptation strategies, such as heat action plans and water management, to be included in public health planning. Awareness of risks due to air pollution and climate change should be raised as part of public health initiatives, especially among pregnant women, the team said.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
India's health survey data reveals 13% children born prematurely, 17% with low birth weight
India's demographic health survey 2019-21 reveals that 13 per cent of children were born prematurely, and 17 per cent with a low weight at birth, with air pollution contributing to the adverse birth outcomes. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, and institutes in the UK and Ireland looked at the National Family Health Survey-5 and remote sensing data to analyse how exposure to air pollution in pregnancy impacted the delivery outcomes. The team found that an increased exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was related with a 40 per cent chance of low birth weight, and 70 per cent of premature delivery. Climate conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, were found to have a greater link with adverse birth outcomes. Study findings The study, published in the journal PLoS Global Public Health, also found that children living in the northern districts of India could be more vulnerable to the ambient air pollution. Measuring under 2.5 microns in diameter, fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is considered among the most harmful air pollutants, sources of which include burning of fossil fuels and biomass. The researchers found higher levels of PM2.5 pollutants over the upper Gangetic region, covering states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, and lower levels in the country's southern and north-eastern regions. A higher prevalence of premature births was seen in northern states, such as Himachal Pradesh (39 per cent), Uttarakhand (27 per cent), Rajasthan (18 per cent), and Delhi (17 per cent). Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura exhibited a lower prevalence of the trend. Punjab was found to have the highest prevalence of lower birth weight at 22 per cent, followed by Delhi, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. North-east India fared far better on the metric, the authors said. "Utilising data from the national family health survey and raster images, the study employs various statistical analyses and spatial models to elucidate the connection between in-utero exposure to air pollution and birth outcomes," the authors wrote. They "observed that approximately 13 per cent of children were born prematurely, and 17 per cent were born with low birth weight." Further, an increase of 10 microgram per cubic metre in PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increase of five per cent in the prevalence of low birth weight, and 12 per cent in premature birth. The team added that 18 per cent of children born in the five years preceding the National Family Health Survey-5 had a low weight at birth. The authors called for targeted interventions, especially in the northern districts, and an intensification of the National Clean Air Program. Launched in 2019, the programme is aimed at improving air quality in India by addressing PM levels. The researchers also advocated for climate adaptation strategies, such as heat action plans and water management, to be included in public health planning. Awareness of risks due to air pollution and climate change should be raised as part of public health initiatives, especially among pregnant women, the team said.
New Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
India's health survey data reveals 13% children born prematurely, 17% with low birth weight
NEW DELHI: India's demographic health survey 2019-21 reveals that 13 percent of children were born prematurely, and 17 percent with a low weight at birth, with air pollution contributing to the adverse birth outcomes. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, and institutes in the UK and Ireland looked at the National Family Health Survey-5 and remote sensing data to analyse how exposure to air pollution in pregnancy impacted the delivery outcomes. The team found that an increased exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was related with a 40 percent chance of low birth weight, and 70 percent of premature delivery. Climate conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, were found to have a greater link with adverse birth outcomes. The study, published in the journal PLoS Global Public Health, also found that children living in the northern districts of India could be more vulnerable to the ambient air pollution. Measuring under 2.5 microns in diameter, fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is considered among the most harmful air pollutants, sources of which include burning of fossil fuels and biomass. The researchers found higher levels of PM2.5 pollutants over the upper Gangetic region, covering states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, and lower levels in the country's southern and north-eastern regions. A higher prevalence of premature births was seen in northern states, such as Himachal Pradesh (39 percent), Uttarakhand (27 percent), Rajasthan (18 percent), and Delhi (17 percent). Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura exhibited a lower prevalence of the trend. Punjab was found to have the highest prevalence of lower birth weight at 22 percent, followed by Delhi, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. North-east India fared far better on the metric, the authors said. "Utilising data from the national family health survey and raster images, the study employs various statistical analyses and spatial models to elucidate the connection between in-utero exposure to air pollution and birth outcomes," the authors wrote. They "observed that approximately 13 percent of children were born prematurely, and 17 percent were born with low birth weight." Further, an increase of 10 microgram per cubic metre in PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increase of five per cent in the prevalence of low birth weight, and 12 per cent in premature birth. The team added that 18 percent of children born in the five years preceding the National Family Health Survey-5 had a low weight at birth. The authors called for targeted interventions, especially in the northern districts, and an intensification of the National Clean Air Program. Launched in 2019, the programme is aimed at improving air quality in India by addressing PM levels. The researchers also advocated for climate adaptation strategies, such as heat action plans and water management, to be included in public health planning. Awareness of risks due to air pollution and climate change should be raised as part of public health initiatives, especially among pregnant women, the team said.
