Ambient Air Pollution: A New Intrauterine Environmental Toxin for Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight.

Abstract

Background: Urbanization and industrialization in developing and developed countries have led to rise of intrauterine environmental toxins-PM2.5, PM10, NO₂ and Ozone.

Aim: To determine association of ambient air pollution exposure with prematurity and low birth weight.

Materials and methods: It is a retrospective cohort study done from January 2021 till June 2022 in a tertiary care hospital, New Delhi. Purposive sampling was done, and for each patient, criteria pollutants exposure was recorded from the government recording stations nearest to her residence and pregnancy outcome correlated with same.

Results: Total 1155 deliveries were recruited. Significant association was found between PM2.5 exposure and preterm birth during first trimester (p < 0.05). Significant association was found between ozone exposure and preterm birth during second trimester (p < 0.05). Significant association was also found between NO₂ exposure and preterm birth during first and second trimester (p < 0.05). Maternal PM2.5 exposure during first trimester was significantly associated with low birth weight (p < 0.05). PM10 exposure during first trimester was significantly associated with low birth weight (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Current study reveals direct relationship between ambient air pollution exposure and pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth and low birth weight).