Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, and complications like hypertensive disorders. A recent study shows that the impact extends to mental health, with exposure to pollution nearly quadrupling the risk of postpartum depression. This heightened risk can last up to three years, the latest study revealed.
Higher levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2,)and inhalable particulate matter (PM10), especially over long periods, are known to raise the risk of various health issues like asthma, heart attack, and stroke. The study published in Science of the Total Environment suggests that these pollutants are also linked to an increased risk of postpartum depression.
