Published Paper Details:

Background: The exposure of pregnant women to atmospheric pollutants is related to early development of the fetus, low birth weight, preterm delivery and low placental weight. The low placental weight occurs due to oxidative stress, which may cause placental abnormalities. Objective: The present cross-sectional study was conducted to know the effects of air pollution on the placental pathology by taking 373 women volunteer participants with normal pregnancy from thickly populated traffic congestion, industrial and remote rural areas of Odisha, India. Methods: We collected pollution level of air pollutants of three study areas during 2015 to 2018 from Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) Bhubaneswar. The placental tissue was collected immediately after delivery. The effect of air pollutants on the placental pathology was studied by Histopathological studies done by Hematoxylene and Eosin staining method and photographed by florescent microscope. Results: The present study showed level of pollution, percentage of exposure of pregnant mothers to ambient air pollution, preterm delivery, significant increase in preterm birth in heavy traffic congestion areas (Cuttack zone) and industrial areas (Jajpur zone) in comparison to rural non-industrial areas (Nilagiri zone). The histopathological study of placenta showed presence of PM2.5, Neutrophil granules, damaged tissues, desquamated epithelial tissues, thrombus and less number of villi in heavy traffic and industrial areas as compared to non-industrial areas. Conclusion: Our findings advocate that the exposure of pregnant women to air pollutants may adversely affects the growth and development of placenta and fetus in highly polluted areas. More studies are required for confirmation.