In a significant leap for maternal health research, scientists have identified the precise biological process by which air pollution raises the risk of premature births. The study, conducted by researchers at Emory University and published in Environmental Science & Technology, sheds light on how exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy interferes with essential metabolic functions in the body.
The research team analyzed blood samples from over 300 pregnant women living in urban areas with measurable levels of air pollution. Their investigation revealed that even short-term exposure to PM2.5 can disturb critical metabolic pathways—especially those involved in protein digestion and immune system development. These disruptions were closely associated with increased instances of preterm and early-term births.
Among the most notable findings were two chemical markers—cortexolone and lysoPE(20:3)—which appear to play a central role in the body’s altered response to pollution. These biomarkers provide a potential explanation for how environmental pollutants interfere with pregnancy, possibly paving the way for targeted interventions in the future.
“This is the first time we’ve been able to map out a clear biological chain from pollution exposure to adverse pregnancy outcomes,” said Dr. Donghai Liang, lead author of the study. “Our findings suggest that even temporary exposure to polluted air can trigger metabolic changes that influence the timing of birth.”
The implications are especially serious for countries battling high levels of air pollution, including India and parts of Southeast Asia, where the risk to pregnant women may be significantly greater.
As concerns over environmental health grow globally, this study provides a crucial piece of evidence linking air quality directly to maternal and neonatal outcomes. Experts now urge stronger public health measures to reduce pregnant women’s exposure to polluted air and mitigate the long-term risks associated with early births.
