A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) can lead to altered immune responses in pregnant women, potentially resulting in adverse birth outcomes. Using a single-cell level approach, researchers discovered that PM2.5 exposure can disrupt cytokine genes, leading to increased inflammation in pregnant women and fetuses. This inflammation can be linked to pregnancy complications. The study emphasizes the need to minimize air pollution exposure in pregnant women to protect maternal and fetal health. The findings suggest that policy interventions and clinical guidelines to reduce pollution exposure could reduce pregnancy complications.
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Study highlights the health risk of PM2.5 exposure for pregnant women
