Megha Pattnaik
Bhubaneswar: When we think about women’s health, we often focus on nutrition, healthcare access, or lifestyle. Yet, one of the most powerful influences is often overlooked, the environment. In India, where rapid urbanisation and industrial growth are reshaping living conditions, environmental factors such as air quality, water safety, and climate patterns are increasingly affecting women’s health in complex and significant ways.
One of the most concerning recent trends is the impact of pollution on women’s reproductive health. Studies based on data from the National Family Health Survey (2019–21) indicate that exposure to high levels of air pollution and contaminated groundwater is linked to disruptions in reproductive cycles. Women living in highly polluted areas are reporting delayed menstruation, hormonal imbalances, and even early menopause. These changes highlight how environmental stressors are not just external, they directly affect biological processes within the body.
Air pollution, especially in urban India, has become a major health threat. Cities like Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow consistently record dangerous levels of particulate matter (PM2.5). For women, the consequences extend beyond breathing difficulties. Research shows that prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of miscarriage, premature births, and low birth weight in infants. It is also being associated with hormonal disorders such as PCOS. Pregnant women, in particular, face heightened risks, and many report increased stress and anxiety due to concerns about the impact of pollution on their unborn children.
While urban pollution often dominates discussions, indoor air pollution remains a silent crisis in rural India. In states such as Bihar, Karnataka, and Odisha, many households still rely on traditional cooking fuels like firewood, coal, and cow dung. Women, who spend significant time in kitchens, are exposed to harmful smoke on a daily basis. This exposure contributes to chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections, and cardiovascular problems. Despite ongoing government initiatives to promote cleaner cooking fuels, the transition has been uneven, leaving many women vulnerable.
Water quality is another critical factor influencing women’s health. In parts of West Bengal and Bihar, groundwater contamination with arsenic has been linked to serious health issues, including reproductive complications. Similarly, high fluoride levels in states like Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh have been associated with hormonal disruptions and early menopause. In addition to naturally occurring contaminants, increasing exposure to chemicals from pesticides, plastics, and industrial waste is raising concerns. These substances can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormonal balance and leading to fertility issues, irregular menstrual cycles, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Climate change is further intensifying environmental health risks. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events are affecting women disproportionately, particularly in rural and low-income communities. In drought-prone regions of Maharashtra and Bundelkhand, women often have to travel long distances to fetch water, leading to physical strain and fatigue. Heat stress is also emerging as a serious concern, especially for pregnant women, as it can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, climate-related disruptions to agriculture impact food security, which in turn affects women’s nutrition and overall health.
Another alarming trend is the high prevalence of anaemia among women in India. More than half of women of reproductive age are anaemic, and emerging research suggests that environmental factors like air pollution may worsen the condition. Pollutants can interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen, compounding the effects of poor nutrition. This demonstrates how environmental and health issues are deeply interconnected, rather than isolated problems.
Women are often more vulnerable to environmental risks due to a combination of biological and social factors. Their hormonal systems are more sensitive to toxins, and pregnancy increases susceptibility to environmental stress. At the same time, traditional roles in many households expose women to unsafe water, indoor pollution, and physically demanding tasks. These overlapping vulnerabilities make environmental health a critical issue for women across India.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Expanding access to clean cooking fuels can significantly reduce indoor air pollution. Ensuring safe drinking water through better monitoring and infrastructure is equally important. Urban pollution control measures need to be strengthened to protect populations at large. At the same time, environmental health must be integrated into women’s healthcare policies, with greater awareness and targeted interventions. Climate adaptation strategies should also prioritise women’s health, recognising their unique vulnerabilities and needs.
In conclusion, the environment is not just a background factor, it plays a central role in shaping women’s health outcomes. In India, where environmental challenges are growing rapidly, women are among the most affected. From polluted air in cities to contaminated water in rural areas, these invisible threats are having real and lasting impacts. Understanding and addressing this connection is essential, not just for improving women’s health, but for building a healthier and more resilient society as a whole.