A recent study published in the journal Nature has linked air pollution, specifically a high prevalence of particulate matter 2.5 components, to low birth weight, anaemia, and acute respiratory infections among children aged under five years. Furthermore, high levels of air pollution also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW), stillbirth, foetal mortality, premature birth, and birth defects.

During early childhood, air pollution poses a risk of hindered child growth, stunting and anaemia. On Thursday, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 169, but according to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s (MPCB) monitoring system, within the city, air quality in Colaba and Sion remained poor with AQIs of 230 and 224, respectively. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered poor.