New Delhi
India’s 2019–21 demographic health survey shows that 13% of children were born prematurely and 17% had low birth weight, with air pollution being a major factor. Researchers from IIT Delhi, IIPS Mumbai, and institutes in the UK and Ireland studied data from the National Family Health Survey-5 and remote sensing to examine how pollution during pregnancy affects birth outcomes.
The study, published in PLoS Global Public Health, found that exposure to PM2.5 — harmful fine particles from fuel and biomass burning — increased the chances of premature birth by 70% and low birth weight by 40%. The risk rose even more with every 10 microgram/m³ increase in PM2.5 levels.
The northern states, particularly the upper Gangetic plain, including Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, showed higher pollution levels and worse birth outcomes. Punjab had the highest rate of low birth weight at 22%, while Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand had the most premature births. In contrast, northeastern states like Mizoram and Manipur reported better outcomes.
The researchers stressed the need for urgent action in northern districts. They recommended strengthening the National Clean Air Programme and integrating climate strategies like heat action plans and better water management into public health efforts. They also urged raising awareness about the health risks of air pollution, especially among pregnant women.
