The Effects of Air Pollution on Women’s Reproductive Health: A Gender-Specific Study of Severe AQI
With the Air quality index In Delhi-NCR, which oscillates between dangerous and very poor, the masked faces are returning to public spaces and breathing in particulate matter. The Delhi authorities have introduced GAP 4, which, among other things, restricts the construction and movement of diesel vehicles. As of November 18, Delhi’s air pollution level was at 494, which is 26 times the limits prescribed by the World Health Organization. While all parts of society continue to face the dangers of air pollution, particularly as a direct result of climate change, some are affected socially weak sections continue to be most affected.
Mary Robinson, the former UN Commissioner for Human Rights said“People who are marginalized or poor, women and indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.” Women experience this inequality due to unequal power relations, gender norms and unequal access to resources. Clearly, climate change is not gender neutral, and neither are its triggers.
Biological mechanisms, effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes
In general, air pollution negatively affects people’s respiratory, cognitive, developmental and cardiovascular health, among other important body mechanisms. However, it also has hidden costs on people’s reproductive health, especially women. Prolonged exposure to pollutants can lead to hormonal disruptions, which can even affect women’s fertility. An episomological study shows that both humans and animals are affected by air pollutants such as NO2, PM2.5, PM10 and SO3, resulting in defects during gametogenesis that lead to a decline in reproductive fitness in exposed populations.
A studyThe study “Exposure to air pollution and parameters of ovarian reserve” found that exposure to air pollutants can even lead to a reduction in ovarian reserves. Particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide induce the so-called “oxidative stress”, which affects the female reproductive components, the properties of the egg and even the entire reproductive function.
There is a connection with stress-related menopause and infertility with increased pollution.
Even chronic health conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, commonly called PCOS, can have a connection to air pollution. Furthermore, it can even come to this intrauterine inflammation in pregnant women, damage to the placenta. Such a case may weaken as the fetus grows.
Impact of air pollution on vulnerable populations
exposure to Air pollution during pregnancy can lead to unwanted complications such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, hypertension, etc. It also affects the mother’s mental health, which can even lead to depression. Studies even suggest this that improving air quality in South Asian countries can potentially prevent 7 percent of pregnancy losses in South Asia.
A recent report from Rising Above the Heat highlights the unequal impact of extreme heat on women in Asia and the Pacific. Heat stress leads to lower productivity. This leads to longer working hours for both paid and unpaid work. The ILO reports that women in the unincorporated sector are most affected by climate change and air pollution. This contributes to these women’s energy poverty and unequal access to energy resources. Restrictive standards can limit their mobility and require inappropriate clothing. In the long term, this can lead to crop failures, lack of access to water supplies, conflict and even displacement. Furthermore, compared to the world Air quality is worst in South Asiaparticularly in the Indo-Gangetic plain. This is also the region where caste and gender create strong social divisions, resulting in asymmetric parameters with the impact of air pollution and climate change.
Prevention and damage control
Some short-term measures such as limiting exposure to outdoor areas when air quality is poor may help. The use of masks and air purifiers should also be recommended. If the cough is severe, a PHC primary health center can be contacted. In rural areas, these measures extend to the use of biomass fuels and LPG stoves instead of chimneys or chula. Advocacy for public health strategies that educate women, particularly pregnant women, may also be a suggestive strategy.
Gender equality is proven to promote sustainability. Increasing women’s participation in the economy has been proven to reduce carbon emissions. Zimbabwe establishes a renewable energy fund to create specific entrepreneurship opportunities for women.
In Cabo Verde, the Institute for Gender Equality and Equity, a supporting agency in numerous sectors, is leading the definition of specific needs, objectives and indicators related to gender equality in climate action across all sectors and areas of intervention.
Climate-friendly urban planning, access to sustainable cooling technology and public provision of basic services can make a big difference.
Giving women better access to resources can reduce vulnerability and create more resilient households and communities. Representation and renovation can go a long way toward curbing climate change and ensuring cleaner air.
