*2.2. Poor Air Quality*

Poor air quality from the combustion of fossil fuels and air pollutants can cross the placenta and impact foetal growth. It can also impair maternal respiratory and cardiovascular health leading to reduced efficacy of placental function and consequently foetal development (Sorensen et al. 2018). Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) can also affect pregnant mothers. Pope et al. (2010) stated that the consistency of findings across settings and exposure to second-hand smoke and ambient air pollution point towards a causal relationship between low birth weight and IAP and begged for further studies in developing countries. It must be noted that traditional indoor stoves are used for cooking in many developing countries. This cooking method produces carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and accounts for nearly 24% of ambient air pollution (Health Effects Institute (HEI) 2020).
