Particulate Matter, an Intrauterine Toxin Affecting Foetal Development and Beyond

Air pollution is the 9th cause of overall disease burden globally. The solid component in polluted air, particulate matters (PMs) with a diameter 2.5 μm or smaller (PM2.5) possess significant health risk to several organ systems. PM2.5 has also been shown cross blood–placental barrier and circulate foetal blood. Therefore, it considered an intrauterine environmental toxin. Exposure during perinatal period, when foetus particularly susceptible developmental defects, reduce birth weight preterm birth, increase adult susceptibility offspring. However, few studies have thoroughly studied outcome foetuses due exposure underlying mechanisms. This perspective summarises currently available evidence, which suggests that promotes oxidative stress inflammation similar manner as occurs response direct PM exposure. Oxidative are likely be common mechanisms dysfunction multiple systems, offering potential targets for preventative strategies pregnant mothers optimal outcome.