Rewritten Title: Public Health in Focus: Addressing the Impact of Air Quality on Maternal and Fetal Well-being
Article:
Understanding the Air Quality Index
Recent expert commentary has shed light on the critical relationship between urban air quality and public health, with a specific focus on vulnerable groups. The Air Quality Index (AQI), a standard measure for reporting daily air quality, is calculated based on five key parameters: particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. In Iran, dedicated organizations, including the Municipal Air Pollution Monitoring Center and the Department of Environment, are tasked with the continuous, 24/7 assessment of these pollutants to inform the public.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality from “Good” (below 50) to “Hazardous” (above 200). Conditions are deemed “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” when the index falls between 100 and 150.
Vulnerable Groups and Heightened Risks
Among those identified as most sensitive to air pollution are pregnant women, children, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. For expectant mothers, the concern is twofold, as their health directly impacts the well-being of their unborn children. Experts highlight that particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen oxides are among the most dangerous compounds for this demographic.
When inhaled, these pollutants first affect the respiratory system. Over the long term, they can reduce the body’s oxygen supply—a critical concern for a pregnant woman who must provide oxygen for both herself and her developing fetus.
Critical Developmental Windows and Long-Term Effects
The second trimester of pregnancy is a particularly critical period, as vital fetal organs, including the brain, are forming. Unmanaged exposure to high levels of air pollution during this time can have adverse effects. Potential consequences include low birth weight (under 2,500 grams), an increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, and the exacerbation of gestational diabetes.
Expert Recommendations for Risk Management
Health authorities have issued clear guidance for pregnant women during periods of poor air quality. The primary recommendation is to minimize exposure. When the AQI rises beyond the acceptable range, limiting time outdoors is the most effective protective measure.
If venturing outside is necessary, the use of filtered masks is strongly advised, and the duration of exposure should be kept to an absolute minimum. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and fluids can help mitigate some of the effects of long-term exposure to air pollutants, supporting the overall resilience of both mother and child.