A new review article published in the Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering by members of MARKOPOLO examines the growing body of evidence linking prenatal air pollution exposure to adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth.
Drawing on epidemiological and mechanistic studies, the review highlights air pollution as an important exposomic risk factor that can influence fetal development through multiple biological pathways. Oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, vascular dysfunction, and epigenetic changes are identified as key mechanisms by which pollutants may impair placental function and affect pregnancy outcomes.
The authors also emphasise the placenta’s central role as the interface between maternal and fetal health, noting that exposure to air pollution has been associated with changes in placental structure and function.
While the overall evidence supports an association between maternal air pollution exposure and adverse birth outcomes, important research gaps remain. Future studies using improved exposure assessment, multipollutant approaches, and mechanistic investigations will help clarify critical exposure windows and identify factors that influence susceptibility.
Read the full publication here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40201-026-00990-4