In a comprehensive study, researchers from Texas A&M University have determined that harmful particulate matter in the atmosphere can produce birth defects and even fatalities during pregnancy using the animal model.
How does poor air quality affect babies?
Being exposed to air pollution in the womb can alter a baby’s lung development . If your baby is exposed to a lot of air pollution, it can also lead to premature birth and low birth weight. You can’t avoid air pollution completely while you are pregnant.
Can bad air quality affect pregnancy?
Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can increase your risk of premature birth and low birthweight . Premature birth is birth that happens too soon, before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
What are some side effects of poor air quality?
- Aggravated respiratory disease such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma.
- Lung damage, even after symptoms such as coughing or a sore throat disappear.
- Wheezing, chest pain, dry throat, headache or nausea.
- Reduced resistance to infections.
- Increased fatigue.
Is pregnancy a sensitive group for air quality?
Research suggests that air pollution is particularly detrimental to children during pregnancy . In fact, researchers have detected negative effects in both mother and fetus from air pollution levels below current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
Can smoke inhalation hurt a fetus?
Alongside people with pre-existing conditions, smoke exposure presents unique risks for pregnant women. Research shows prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke increases the risk of pregnancy complications including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, low birth weight and premature birth (before 37 weeks).
What causes poor air quality in home?
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the area.
Should kids play outside with bad air quality?
Air quality is fine for most people, including children like you. ... People with lung disease, such as asthma, and active kids and grown-ups should not spend any time playing or being active outdoors . Everybody else should limit outdoor activities.
What air quality is OK for babies?
Also, they breathe more through their mouths than their noses. This allows pollution to be inhaled more deeply into the lungs where it can cause permanent damage. Do not take your child out when the air quality index is 151 or above .
How long can kids be outside in bad air quality?
How long can students stay outside when the air quality is unhealthy? There is no exact amount of time . The worse the air quality, the more important it is to take breaks, do less intense activities, and watch for symptoms. Remember that students with asthma will be more sensitive to unhealthy air.
Is it bad to be outside with bad air quality?
If the air quality falls in the unhealthy or red range (151-200) , the AQI recommends that people with compromised health avoid prolonged outdoor work or activity. Everyone else who is not health-compromised should limit the time they spend outdoors.
What are the symptoms of bad air quality?
- Coughing and sneezing.
- Dizziness.
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Sinus congestion.
- Dryness and irritation of your eyes, nose, throat and skin.
- Shortness of breath.
Is it safe to walk in unhealthy air quality?
Avoid outdoor physical activity or reduce the intensity and duration of your outdoor exercise when an air quality alert has been issued. Air pollution levels tend to be highest near midday or in the afternoon, so try to avoid outdoor exercise during these times of the day.
What is the best most important thing people can do to reduce air pollution?
On Days when High Particle Levels are Expected, Take these Extra Steps to Reduce Pollution: Reduce the number of trips you take in your car. Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use . Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.
Is it safe to sit by a fire during pregnancy?
Not for prolonged periods. Breathing smoke from wildfires or other sources such as campfires, bonfires, grills, or fireplaces can be harmful to you and your baby during pregnancy . Smoke from fire contains gases such as carbon monoxide and small particles that can get into your lungs and bloodstream.
Why is bushfire smoke bad for pregnancy?
“Smoke exposure from bushfires can increase one’s risk of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, low birth weight and premature birth ,” says Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN based in Orlando, Florida.
