Safe in the womb? Effects of air pollution to the unborn child and neonates

OBJECTIVE: In this brief review, the authors focus on the effects of gestational exposures to urban air pollution on fetal development and neonatal outcomes. SOURCE OF DATA: In this review the authors used PubMed, Web of Science and SciELO research platforms, analyzing papers from the last 30 years. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Epidemiological and experimental evidence agree that gestational exposure to air pollution in urban increases the risks for low birth weight, preterm birth, congenital malformation, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal mortality. Furthermore, exposures are associated with increased risks for preeclampsia, hypertension, gestational diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it is time for greater involvement and engagement of the health sector in the discussion of public policies that may affect the quality of the environment, and that directly or indirectly impact the health of those who were not yet born.