.Satellites Show Air Pollution Influences Fetal Development

A Harvard study suggests that exposures to fine air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk for preterm delivery and low birth weight in newborns. Further, the findings suggest particles from industrial sources may play a bigger role in exposures than traffic pollution. This study — the first of its kind — shows that satellites offer a more accurate and comprehensive way to measure exposure and, therefore, health risks from particulate air pollution, especially in rural areas.