DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jekk.v11i3.32541

Urban Pm2.5 Exposure And Placental Dysfunction And Its Impact On Fetal Development

*Murni Lestari  -  Doctoral Program in Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah, Indonesia
Muhammad Fachri  -  Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Indonesia
Nurmalia Lusida  -  Faculty of Medicine and Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Indonesia
Received: 1 Jun 2026; Revised: 24 Aug 2026; Accepted: 24 Aug 2026; Published: 27 Aug 2026.

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Abstract

Background : Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) measuring ≤2.5 micrometers in Indonesia continues to increase. Particularly in urban areas, severe air pollution is a significant issue in maternal and perinatal health due to its potential for adverse effects during pregnancy. Exposure to PM2.5 is known to be associated with impaired placental function through inflammatory mechanisms, increased oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction, which can reduce uteroplacental perfusion and inhibit optimal fetal growth and development Objective This systematic review aims to evaluates the correlation between PM2.5 exposure and placental dysfunction and the impact of fetal development based on a systematic review based on the latest literature review.

Methods : A systematic literature review based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted across PubMed and Scopus, ScienceDirect databases 2021-2026, using the PECO framework.

Result : Of the 2,845 articles, 21 met the inclusion criteria. The most consistent research evidence indicates that exposure to PM2.5 in the first to mid-trimester of pregnancy is associated with placental inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and impaired uteroplacental perfusion. These conditions can inhibit fetal growth and development, increasing the risk of low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth.

Conclusion : Exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy is associated with placental dysfunction through inflammatory and oxidative stress mechanisms which ultimately have a negative impact on fetal growth and developmen.

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Urban Pm2.5 Exposure And Placental Dysfunction And Its Impact On Fetal Development
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Keywords: PM2.5 ; Pregnancy ; Placental dysfunction ; Fetal development

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