https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/how-air-pollution-impacts-pregnancy/

Air pollution comes in many forms. Typically, polluted air is comprised of ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, vehicle exhaust, building emissions, second-hand smoke, dust, and chemicals. You can be exposed to air pollution whether you’re in the country or a major city.

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Common symptoms of prolonged air pollution exposure include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Eye and sinus irritation
• Advanced respiratory diseases like bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema
• Chronic fatigue
• Decreased lung capacity and shortness of breath
• Damage to lungs and heart
• Cancer

it has the most severe impact on pregnant women, children, babies, those with respiratory problems, and the elderly.

Potential dangers of being exposed to air pollution during pregnancy includes:

Low birth weight

pre term birth

autism

asthma

Given that the air pollution in most countries have increased over time, there are various ways to prevent too much exposure, eg:

- check pollution index before leaving the house. if the index is too high, remain indoors.

- get an air purifier for your home and office.

- wear a mask when painting or using hair spray.

- invest in air-purifying plants such as snake plant, money plant, spider plant, and aloe vera, for your home and office.