Impact of Air Pollutants on Maternal and Perinatal Health - Essay Example

'Impact of Air Pollutants on Maternal and Perinatal Health' is a worthy example of a paper on reproduction. 
Introduction: The article has been written by Hackley, Abigail, and Jane. They focused on the harmful effects of various kinds of air pollutants on health in general, on maternal and perinatal health in particular. They have also discussed possible measures to reduce these effects.

Body: According to the article, in spite of taking many controlling measures, the air quality in the US still poses a threat to human health (Hackley, Abigail & Jane 1). The main risk groups seem to be minority populations with relatively poor standards of living.  Communities who live in and near industrial areas are at greater risk of experiencing the effects of air pollutants. Furthermore, the effects are severe on sensitive groups like pregnant and newborns, probably because of the altered physiological conditions in them.

The main pollutants of concern are carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxide, ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. Exposures to these pollutants can resultant in many short terms and long term health problems. The sources for these pollutants range from the use of gas stoves to automobiles. Being the immediate recipient, the respiratory system is mainly affected by them. Various health problems like asthma, bronchitis, and even carcinogenic changes result from these pollutants.

The physiologic conditions in pregnants are unique because of increased alveolar ventilation, decreased oxygen binding capacity, and increased fat deposition (Hackley, Abigail & Jane 3). All these changes have worsening effects when the person is exposed to pollutants. For example, increased ventilation and air exchange result in maximum absorption of pollutants from the surrounding air, thereby; cause greater damage. Hemodilution anemia with reduced oxygen-binding capacity enhances the chances of CO-Hb (carbon monoxide-hemoglobin) complex formation.

This greatly reduces the oxygen supply to vital organs. Likewise, increased fat deposition allows for the excess accumulation of fat-soluble pollutants like many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

The effects on the fetus and newborn occur due to the fact that many of these pollutants can easily cross the placenta and reach fetal circulation. In lactating mothers, breast milk can transfer these pollutants to the newborn.  In general, organogenesis takes place in the first trimester of pregnancy and there is a high cellular turnover rate in the fetus. Depending on the stage of development of the fetus, exposure to these pollutants through maternal circulation may result in cellular and/or genetic defects. Premature births with developmental anomalies may have resulted. For example, carbon monoxide in fetal circulation impedes oxygen supply to vital organs at a crucial stage of high cellular demand for oxygen, resulting in impaired organ development.

There are certain measures that can reduce exposure to these pollutants like avoiding outdoor trips during heavy traffic and sunny timings, as harmful ground-level ozone levels increase in good sunlight. Indoor pollution should be minimized with proper ventilation and regular cleaning. It has been speculated that taking a healthy diet can, to some extent, reduce the risk of these pollutants. Increased calcium during pregnancy helps in controlling the demineralization of bones and the release of stored lead from them (Hackley, Abigail & Jane 5).

Conclusion: All in all, the authors have clearly pointed out various aspects of air pollutants in relation to maternal and fetal health. They have been successful in providing substantial evidence from sources like EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to support their arguments. The addition of possible remedies has greatly increased the value of this article. It provides valuable and useful information to all categories of people ranging from students to health professionals and the common public.