Meeting clean air targets could reduce the burden of hypertension among women of reproductive age in India.

This article investigates the association between long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and hypertension prevalence among women of reproductive age (WRA, 15–49 years) in India, using data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey. The study found that every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 exposure corresponded to a 5.2% increase in hypertension prevalence, with stronger associations observed for black carbon (BC) and sulphate components of PM2.5, which are primarily generated from combustion sources. The risk was higher among smokers, obese individuals, rural residents, and those with lower socioeconomic status. The authors estimate that meeting India’s National Clean Air Program targets and World Health Organization air quality guidelines could substantially reduce hypertension prevalence in this population. These findings highlight the public health importance of air pollution control to mitigate cardiovascular risks among Indian women.