Professor Maryam Kashanian, a leading expert in maternal and fetal medicine, has raised concerns about the impact of environmental pollutants on fertility and pregnancy. Speaking at the Shahid Akbarabadi Mothers' Support Educational and Medical Center, she noted that while over 85,000 pollutants exist, only a small portion has been studied for health effects.

Kashanian categorized these pollutants into physical, biological, and toxic factors, warning that exposure can lead to infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and cognitive impairments. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, is linked to preterm birth and potential autism risk, though mobile phone usage has not been definitively associated with adverse outcomes.

Heavy metals like lead and mercury, along with plastics and chemicals, pose significant risks, including fetal growth disorders and neurological damage. Kashanian emphasized the importance of calcium intake during pregnancy to reduce lead absorption.

She also highlighted the challenges in environmental health research, including the complexity of pollutants and genetic differences among individuals. To protect maternal and fetal health, she advised pregnant women to avoid environments with high radiation, heat, vibrations, and chemicals, and to ensure proper ventilation.

In conclusion, Kashanian stressed the need for increased awareness among pregnant women regarding the risks posed by environmental pollutants to minimize their impact on health.