Project Abstract

Maternal exposure to air pollution has been a growing concern due to its potential impact on birth outcomes. This research aims to investigate the relationship between various air pollutants and birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defects. The study will utilize a large dataset of maternal and birth records, along with air quality monitoring data, to assess the exposure levels during pregnancy. The research will focus on different types of air pollutants including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3). By analyzing the data, the study aims to determine if there is a correlation between maternal exposure to these pollutants and adverse birth outcomes. Additionally, the research will explore potential factors that may influence this relationship, such as maternal age, socioeconomic status, smoking status, and pre-existing health conditions. Various statistical analyses will be conducted to examine the associations between air pollution exposure and birth outcomes. Regression models will be used to control for confounding variables and assess the strength of the relationships. Subgroup analyses will also be performed to investigate if certain populations are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution on birth outcomes. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the potential impact of maternal exposure to air pollution on birth outcomes. The results may have implications for public health policies aimed at reducing air pollution levels to protect the health of pregnant women and their infants. Understanding the relationship between air pollution and adverse birth outcomes is crucial for developing targeted interventions and strategies to improve maternal and infant health. In conclusion, this research project will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the effects of air pollution on birth outcomes. By examining a wide range of pollutants and considering various influencing factors, the study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of this important public health issue. The findings may inform future research directions and policy initiatives aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution on maternal and infant health.

Project Overview

The knowledge about air pollution effects on birth weight, prematurity, and small for gestational age (SGA) in low-exposure areas is insufficient.Maternal Exposure

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this birth cohort study was to investigate whether low-level exposure to air pollution was associated with prematurity and fetal growth and whether there are sex-specific effects.Maternal Exposure

METHOD:

We combined high-quality registry information on 81,110 births with individually modeled exposure data at residence for nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) and proximity to roads with differing traffic density. The data were analyzed by logistic and linear regression with and without potential confounders.Maternal Exposure

RESULTS: We observed an increased risk for babies being SGA when we compared highest and lowest NO(x) quartiles, adjusting for maternal age, smoking, sex, and year of birth. After additional adjustment for maternal country of origin and parity (which were highly intercorrelated), the increase was no longer statistically significant. However, in subgroup analyses when we compared highest and lowest NO(x) quartiles we still observed an increased risk for SGA for girls [odds ratio (OR)=1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.24); we also observed increased risk among mothers who had not changed residency during pregnancy (OR=1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.18). The confounders with the greatest impact on SGA were parity and country of origin. Concerning prematurity, the prevalence was lower in the three higher NO(x) exposure quartiles compared with the lowest category.Maternal Exposure