Promote Environmental Justice
Toxic exposures and climate change are threats to the health of families.
What We Know
Air pollution, toxins in water, chemicals in products used at home, natural disasters and high temperatures can negatively impact the health of moms and babies.
For example, pregnant people exposed to high temperatures and air pollution are more likely to give birth preterm or to underweight or stillborn babies, as well as suffer from eclampsia and preeclampsia.
Research shows that some communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental threats associated with higher rates of negative health outcomes before, during and after pregnancy.
Exposure to environmental toxins and climate change threats is not equal
These threats inequitably affect communities of color when compared to their White counterparts both at home and in the workplace, which can lead to higher risks for poor maternal and infant health outcomes.
Risk of Heat
Pregnant individuals exposed to high temperatures or air pollution are more likely to give birth preterm or to underweight or stillborn babies.
– Center for Sustainable Systems, University of Michigan. 2020. "Environmental Justice Factsheet." Pub. No. CSS17-16.
News & Resources
NIEHS promotes translation of research results into a collective body of knowledge that informs and supports public health action. It supports research programs, community-engaged activities and training and education programs to address the disparate health impacts of environmental hazards on disadvantaged communities and ensure environmental health equity.
The EHD Centers support research efforts, mentoring, capacity building, research translation and information dissemination, and are designed to address program-specific research priorities.
What does environmental health have to do with maternal and infant health? This webinar from the Mom and Baby Action Network explores the intersection of environmental threats (i.e. toxins in your home or neighborhood, water quality, climate change and heat) and their impact on maternal and infant health.