Can air pollution harm an unborn baby?
Most women who live in areas with higher-than-average levels of air pollution have healthy babies. However, studies from the United States and other countries suggest that pregnant women exposed to high levels of certain air pollutants may be slightly more likely than pregnant women living in less polluted areas to have a premature or small-for-gestational-age baby (11). These air pollutants include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and small particle pollution, both of which come from vehicle exhaust and industrial sources. Another study suggests that children exposed to high PAH levels before birth may score more than 4 points lower on IQ tests than children exposed to lower levels (15). Air quality in many areas of the country has improved since the first Clean Air Act was passed in 1970. However, some pregnant women, including those living in large cities, are still exposed to unhealthy levels of pollution. Individuals can help reduce their exposure to pollution by limiting ou
