Air pollution increases the risk of pregnancy

Pregnant women exposed to fine particle air pollution may be at greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances.

Dangerous pollution for pregnant women

THE fine particles PM2.5with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (µm), are mainly present in car exhaust gases. “This study represents an important advance in understanding the biological pathways by which exposure to PM2.5 affects pregnancy, maternal health and fetal development”, indicates Kari Nadeau, one of the authors, in a communiqué.

Previous research has linked exposure to PM2.5 to complications for pregnant women and their babies, including preeclampsia, low birth weight and developmental delays in early childhood.

During their study, the researchers wanted to understand the mechanism of PM2.5 harm to pregnant women and their babies. To do this, they used air quality data and calculated the average exposure of study participants – pregnant or not – to PM2.5.

Air pollution impacts cells

Secondly, the scientists used a technological tool to measure the impact of this air pollution at the cellular level. So, in each cell, they were able to map changes in histones, proteins that help control the release of cytokines, which are also proteins that help control inflammation in the body and which can affect pregnancy.

Results: Researchers found that exposure to PM2.5 could modify pregnant women’s histones, which then affected cytokines and led to increased inflammation in pregnant women and fetuses. This phenomenon can, according to the authors, correspond to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.

“Our findings highlight the importance of minimizing exposure to air pollution among pregnant women to protect maternal and fetal health”, underlines Youn Soo Jung, one of the authors. The authors call for the implementation of policies aimed at improving air quality and reducing the exposure of pregnant women to this pollution.