Effects during pregnancy and birth
Air pollutionhas been associated with a low birth weight and reduced fetal growth. When particulate matter pollution arises from the source of wood burning, the link between low birth weight and particulate pollution is clearest.
Even when PM2.5 levels are below the limits currently considered “safe”, there is strong evidence of the association between particulate matter pollution and reduced fetal head growth and size. The effects are very similar to those resulting from smoking during pregnancy.
A study from New York State shows the effect of particulate matter pollution on high blood pressure during pregnancy, but only if caused by burning wood.
Not only particulate matter, but also the toxic substances produced by burning wood are associated with harmful effects on fetal and child development.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states:
When pregnant women are exposed to benzo(a)pyrene pollution, fetal growth is impaired. The WHO also states that babies have higher DNA adduct levels compared to their mothers. This means that they are more susceptible to DNA damage.
Benzo(a)pyrene is produced when organic material such as wood or coal is burned. Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are the biggest polluters. Burning 1 kg of wood emits the same amount of benzo(a)pyrene as 27,333 cigarettes
Studies show: PAHs (toxins produced during wood combustion) reach the placental tissue. There they can impair the nutrition and growth of the fetus.
When pregnant women inhale soot particles, they are deposited in the lungs, liver and brain of the fetus.
The researchers described these findings as “particularly worrying because this exposure window is crucial for organ development” and occurs at a time “when susceptibility to many diseases is programmed later in life”
Domestic wood-burning stoves are a major source of soot (also known as black carbon)
Premature births are documented even at moderate PM2.5 levels.
The risk for miscarriages and stillbirths rise at elevated PM2.5 levels.
Higher infant mortality is seen on days with increased particulate pollution. Researchers found no evidence that there is a safe lowest limit value.