The impact of air pollution on the health of future generations

Alimohamadi, Kolsoom; Eslami, Reza

doi:10.22034/27.2.113

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Volume 27, Issue 2 (7-2025)

EBNESINA 2025, 27(2): 113-119

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The impact of air pollution on the health of future generations

Kolsoom Alimohamadi

, Reza Eslami ^*

School of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , rezaeslami7@ajaums.ac.ir

Keywords: air pollution, birth outcome, fetal growth, infant health

Full-Text [PDF 1184 kb] (58 Downloads) | Abstract (HTML) (242 Views)

Type of Study: Letter to Editor | Subject: Disaster Medicine
Received: 2025/04/15 | Revised: 2025/09/29 | Accepted: 2025/07/5 | Published: 2025/07/7

Extended Abstract: (71 Views)

Air pollution is a global crisis with far-reaching consequences, but its most insidious effects are felt by the most vulnerable among us: pregnant women, fetuses, and infants. As the world grapples with the escalating use of fossil fuels and the worsening impacts of climate change, 99% of the global population now breathes air that exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety standards. This alarming reality poses a dire threat to the health of future generations, with consequences that begin in the uterus and persist long after birth.
The evidence is unequivocal: exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and infancy can lead to severe and long-term health complications. Studies have shown that pregnant women exposed to polluted air face heightened risks of preterm labor, low birth weight, and respiratory diseases in their newborns [1]. The mechanisms behind these outcomes are deeply concerning. Air pollutants can trigger inflammatory responses in the mother’s immune system, increasing the likelihood of preterm delivery [2]. Moreover, these pollutants can impair placental function, disrupting the transfer of vital nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, which in turn stunts fetal growth [3].
The dangers do not end at birth. Infants, with their higher breathing rates and underdeveloped immune systems, are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. Pollutants can infiltrate their tiny lungs, enter the bloodstream, and cause systemic inflammation and organ damage [3]. Oxidative stress, a byproduct of pollution exposure, can wreak havoc on fetal cells, further compromising growth and development [4]. The placenta, a lifeline for the unborn child, is not spared either. Dysfunction in this critical organ can have cascading effects on fetal health, underscoring the pervasive reach of air pollution [5].
The repercussions extend beyond physical health. Emerging research suggests that infants exposed to polluted air may face neurological challenges, including cognitive deficits and behavioral issues [6]. These findings paint a grim picture of a generation burdened by preventable health crises. Compounding these risks are environmental and social factors such as maternal malnutrition, poverty, and limited access to healthcare, which exacerbate the toll of air pollution on vulnerable populations [7].
It is crucial to recognize the dual threats posed by outdoor and indoor air pollution. While outdoor pollutants like particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and carbon monoxide (CO) are well-documented culprits in preterm births and low birth weight [1], indoor pollutants–such as cigarette smoke–are equally pernicious [9]. Infants exposed to these toxins are more likely to suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis, and their lung function may be permanently impaired, increasing their risk of hospitalization [6].
Addressing this crisis demands a multi-pronged approach. At the individual level, pregnant women can take steps to minimize exposure by avoiding high-traffic areas during peak hours [8] and steering clear of cigarette smoke [9]. Monitoring air quality reports and limiting outdoor activities on days of high pollution can also mitigate risks [1]. Dietary interventions, such as consuming antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, may help counteract oxidative stress [11].
However, individual actions alone are insufficient. Systemic change is imperative. Governments must prioritize policies that curb emissions from industrial and vehicular sources. Investments in public transportation, the promotion of electric vehicles, and stricter enforcement of emission standards are critical steps [1]. Urban planning should also prioritize green spaces, which not only absorb pollutants but have been linked to improved birth outcomes [10].
The stakes could not be higher. Protecting the health of fetuses and infants from air pollution is not merely a moral obligation–it is an investment in the future. The choices we make today will determine the well-being of generations to come. We must act decisively to ensure that our children inherit a world where clean air is a given, not a privilege.
The time for action is now. Let us not wait for another study or another statistic to remind us of the urgency. The health of our next generation hangs in the balance, and it is our collective responsibility to safeguard it.

Funding

There is no funding support.

Authors’ Contribution

Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work.

Conflict of Interest

Authors declared no conflict of interest.

References

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8. Verma J, Chaudhary P. Effects of long-term exposure to air pollution on maternal and child health. International Journal. 2025;7(2):1-10. doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.38883

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Alimohamadi K, Eslami R. The impact of air pollution on the health of future generations. EBNESINA 2025; 27 (2) :113-119
URL: http://ebnesina.ajaums.ac.ir/article-1-1396-en.html

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