This study investigates the differential effects of PM2.5 components on child health in India. Using multiple logistic regression, the researchers found that for every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 exposure, the prevalence of anemia, acute respiratory infection (ARI), and low birth weight (LBW) increased by 10%, 11%, and 5%, respectively. NO3, elemental carbon, and NH4+ were most strongly associated with these health outcomes. The study concludes that using total PM2.5 mass as a surrogate marker underestimates the true impact of PM2.5 components and that prioritizing control strategies for more toxic species is crucial for improving child health in India.
