Estimating the risk of anemia associated with PM2.5 exposure in Nepalese women of reproductive age

Although evidence links particulate matter exposure to anemia, research focused on women remains scarce. This study investigates the risk of anemia associated with PM2.5 exposure among Nepalese women of reproductive age. This study used nationally representative data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, including a sample of 4133 women of reproductive age. Anemia was defined according to WHO guidelines (blood hemoglobin levels <12 g/dl for non-pregnant women and <11 g/dl for pregnant women), and mean PM2.5 exposure data were obtained from the national air quality monitoring department. Here we show that higher PM2.5 exposure is associated with an increased risk of anemia among Nepalese women. Weighted regression models revealed a consistent inverse relationship between PM2.5 and blood hemoglobin levels (β, 95% CI: −0.161, −0.228 ~ −0.099). Each 10-µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 resulted in a 29% greater risk of anemia (OR, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.14–1.42). The associated risk was more pronounced among women with lower educational attainment and those residing in mountainous regions. This study provides substantial evidence linking air pollution to anemia in women of reproductive age, underscoring the urgent need for targeted health interventions and stricter air quality regulations in low-resource settings. We aimed to understand whether air pollution contributes to anemia in women of reproductive age, a topic that has not been widely studied. Using nationally representative data from 4133 women aged 15–49 and air pollution records from Nepal, we found that exposure to fine particles was linked to lower blood hemoglobin levels and a 29% higher risk of anemia. Women with less education and those living in mountainous regions were most affected. These findings suggest that air pollution is not only a respiratory concern—it may also harm women’s blood health, underscoring the urgent need to improve air quality and implement targeted health programs in disadvantaged settings. Acharya and Bhatta analyze nationally representative data from Nepal to examine how PM2.5 exposure relates to anemia among women of reproductive age. Higher PM2.5 levels are linked to lower hemoglobin and a greater risk of anemia.