351
|
Wu J, Wilhelm M, Chung J, Ritz B. Comparing exposure assessment methods for traffic-related air pollution in an adverse pregnancy outcome study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2011; 111:685-92. [PMID: 21453913 PMCID: PMC3114297 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Revised: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies reported adverse impacts of traffic-related air pollution exposure on pregnancy outcomes. Yet, little information exists on how effect estimates are impacted by the different exposure assessment methods employed in these studies. OBJECTIVES To compare effect estimates for traffic-related air pollution exposure and preeclampsia, preterm birth (gestational age less than 37 weeks), and very preterm birth (gestational age less than 30 weeks) based on four commonly used exposure assessment methods. METHODS We identified 81,186 singleton births during 1997-2006 at four hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California. Exposures were assigned to individual subjects based on residential address at delivery using the nearest ambient monitoring station data [carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen oxides (NO(x)), ozone (O(3)), and particulate matter less than 2.5 (PM(2.5)) or less than 10 (PM(10))μm in aerodynamic diameter], both unadjusted and temporally adjusted land-use regression (LUR) model estimates (NO, NO(2), and NO(x)), CALINE4 line-source air dispersion model estimates (NO(x) and PM(2.5)), and a simple traffic-density measure. We employed unconditional logistic regression to analyze preeclampsia in our birth cohort, while for gestational age-matched risk sets with preterm and very preterm birth we employed conditional logistic regression. RESULTS We observed elevated risks for preeclampsia, preterm birth, and very preterm birth from maternal exposures to traffic air pollutants measured at ambient stations (CO, NO, NO(2), and NO(x)) and modeled through CALINE4 (NO(x) and PM(2.5)) and LUR (NO(2) and NO(x)). Increased risk of preterm birth and very preterm birth were also positively associated with PM(10) and PM(2.5) air pollution measured at ambient stations. For LUR-modeled NO(2) and NO(x) exposures, elevated risks for all the outcomes were observed in Los Angeles only--the region for which the LUR models were initially developed. Unadjusted LUR models often produced odds ratios somewhat larger in size than temporally adjusted models. The size of effect estimates was smaller for exposures based on simpler traffic density measures than the other exposure assessment methods. CONCLUSION We generally confirmed that traffic-related air pollution was associated with adverse reproductive outcomes regardless of the exposure assessment method employed, yet the size of the estimated effect depended on how both temporal and spatial variations were incorporated into exposure assessment. The LUR model was not transferable even between two contiguous areas within the same large metropolitan area in Southern California.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Program in Public Health and Department of Epidemiology, Anteater Instruction and Research Office, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3957, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
352
|
Parker JD, Rich DQ, Glinianaia SV, Leem JH, Wartenberg D, Bell ML, Bonzini M, Brauer M, Darrow L, Gehring U, Gouveia N, Grillo P, Ha E, van den Hooven EH, Jalaludin B, Jesdale BM, Lepeule J, Morello-Frosch R, Morgan GG, Slama R, Pierik FH, Pesatori AC, Sathyanarayana S, Seo J, Strickland M, Tamburic L, Woodruff TJ. The International Collaboration on Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes: initial results. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:1023-8. [PMID: 21306972 PMCID: PMC3222970 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The findings of prior studies of air pollution effects on adverse birth outcomes are difficult to synthesize because of differences in study design. OBJECTIVES The International Collaboration on Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes was formed to understand how differences in research methods contribute to variations in findings. We initiated a feasibility study to a) assess the ability of geographically diverse research groups to analyze their data sets using a common protocol and b) perform location-specific analyses of air pollution effects on birth weight using a standardized statistical approach. METHODS Fourteen research groups from nine countries participated. We developed a protocol to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the association between particulate matter ≤ 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM₁₀) and low birth weight (LBW) among term births, adjusted first for socioeconomic status (SES) and second for additional location-specific variables. RESULTS Among locations with data for the PM₁₀ analysis, ORs estimating the relative risk of term LBW associated with a 10-μg/m³ increase in average PM₁₀ concentration during pregnancy, adjusted for SES, ranged from 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30-1.35] for the Netherlands to 1.15 (95% CI, 0.61-2.18) for Vancouver, with six research groups reporting statistically significant adverse associations. We found evidence of statistically significant heterogeneity in estimated effects among locations. CONCLUSIONS Variability in PM₁₀-LBW relationships among study locations remained despite use of a common statistical approach. A more detailed meta-analysis and use of more complex protocols for future analysis may uncover reasons for heterogeneity across locations. However, our findings confirm the potential for a diverse group of researchers to analyze their data in a standardized way to improve understanding of air pollution effects on birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Parker
- National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
353
|
Bell ML, Ebisu K, Peng RD. Community-level spatial heterogeneity of chemical constituent levels of fine particulates and implications for epidemiological research. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2011; 21:372-84. [PMID: 20664652 PMCID: PMC3176331 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2010.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Studies of the health impacts of airborne particulates' chemical constituents typically assume spatial homogeneity and estimate exposure from ambient monitors. However, factors such as local sources may cause spatially heterogeneous pollution levels. This work examines the degree to which constituent levels vary within communities and whether exposure misclassification is introduced by spatial homogeneity assumptions. Analysis considered PM(2.5) elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon matter, ammonium, sulfate, nitrate, silicon, and sodium ion (Na(+)) for the United States, 1999-2007. Pearson correlations and coefficients of divergence were calculated and compared to distances among monitors. Linear modeling related correlations to distance between monitors, long-term constituent levels, and population density. Spatial heterogeneity was present for all constituents, yet lower for ammonium, sulfate, and nitrate. Lower correlations were associated with higher distance between monitors, especially for nitrate and sulfate, and with lower long-term levels, especially for sulfate and Na(+). Analysis of colocated monitors revealed measurement error for all constituents, especially EC and Na(+). Exposure misclassification may be introduced into epidemiological studies of PM(2.5) constituents due to spatial variability, and is affected by constituent type and level. When assessing health effects of PM constituents, new methods are needed for estimating exposure and accounting for exposure error induced by spatial variability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Bell
- School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
354
|
Jackson P, Hougaard KS, Boisen AMZ, Jacobsen NR, Jensen KA, Møller P, Brunborg G, Gutzkow KB, Andersen O, Loft S, Vogel U, Wallin H. Pulmonary exposure to carbon black by inhalation or instillation in pregnant mice: effects on liver DNA strand breaks in dams and offspring. Nanotoxicology 2011; 6:486-500. [PMID: 21649560 PMCID: PMC3411122 DOI: 10.3109/17435390.2011.587902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Effects of maternal pulmonary exposure to carbon black (Printex 90) on gestation, lactation and DNA strand breaks were evaluated. Time-mated C57BL/6BomTac mice were exposed by inhalation to 42 mg/m3 Printex 90 for 1 h/day on gestation days (GD) 8-18, or by four intratracheal instillations on GD 7, 10, 15 and 18, with total doses of 11, 54 and 268 (μg/animal. Dams were monitored until weaning and some offspring until adolescence. Inflammation was assessed in maternal bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) 3-5 days after exposure, and at weaning. Levels of DNA strand breaks were assessed in maternal BAL cells and liver, and in offspring liver. Persistent lung inflammation was observed in exposed mothers. Inhalation exposure induced more DNA strand breaks in the liver of mothers and their offspring, whereas intratracheal instillation did not. Neither inhalation nor instillation affected gestation and lactation. Maternal inhalation exposure to Printex 90-induced liver DNA damage in the mothers and the in utero exposed offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Jackson
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
355
|
Lessons From Air Pollution Epidemiology for Studies of Engineered Nanomaterials. J Occup Environ Med 2011; 53:S8-S13. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31821ad5c0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
356
|
Bechle MJ, Millet DB, Marshall JD. Effects of income and urban form on urban NO2: global evidence from satellites. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:4914-9. [PMID: 21542624 DOI: 10.1021/es103866b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Urban air pollution is among the top 15 causes of death and disease worldwide, and a problem of growing importance with a majority of the global population living in cities. A important question for sustainable development is to what extent urban design can improve or degrade the environment and public health. We investigate relationships between satellite-derived estimates of nitrogen dioxide concentration (NO(2), a key component of urban air pollution) and urban form for 83 cities globally. We find a parsimonious yet powerful relationship (model R(2) = 0.63), using as predictors population, income, urban contiguity, and meteorology. Cities with highly contiguous built-up areas have, on average, lower urban NO(2) concentrations (a one standard deviation increase in contiguity is associated with a 24% decrease in average NO(2) concentration). More-populous cities tend to have worse air quality, but the increase in NO(2) associated with a population increase of 10% may be offset by a moderate increase (4%) in urban contiguity. Urban circularity ("compactness") is not a statistically significant predictor of NO(2) concentration. Although many factors contribute to urban air pollution, our findings suggest that antileapfrogging policies may improve air quality. We find that urban NO(2) levels vary nonlinearly with income (Gross Domestic Product), following an "environmental Kuznets curve"; we estimate that if high-income countries followed urban pollution-per-income trends observed for low-income countries, NO(2) concentrations in high-income cities would be ∼10× larger than observed levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Bechle
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
357
|
Rudra CB, Williams MA, Sheppard L, Koenig JQ, Schiff MA. Ambient carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter in relation to preeclampsia and preterm delivery in western Washington State. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:886-92. [PMID: 21262595 PMCID: PMC3114827 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm delivery and preeclampsia are common adverse pregnancy outcomes that have been inconsistently associated with ambient air pollutant exposures. OBJECTIVES We aimed to prospectively examine relations between exposures to ambient carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particulate matter [≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5)] and risks of preeclampsia and preterm delivery. METHODS We used data from 3,509 western Washington women who delivered infants between 1996 and 2006. We predicted ambient CO and PM2.5 exposures using regression models based on regional air pollutant monitoring data. Models contained predictor terms for year, month, weather, and land use characteristics. We evaluated several exposure windows, including prepregnancy, early pregnancy, the first two trimesters, the last month, and the last 3 months of pregnancy. Outcomes were identified using abstracted maternal medical record data. Covariate information was obtained from maternal interviews. RESULTS Predicted periconceptional CO exposure was significantly associated with preeclampsia after adjustment for maternal characteristics and season of conception [adjusted odds ratio (OR) per 0.1 ppm=1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.13]. However, further adjustment for year of conception essentially nullified the association (adjusted OR=0.98; 95% CI, 0.91-1.06). Associations between PM2.5 and preeclampsia were nonsignificant and weaker than associations estimated for CO, and neither air pollutant was strongly associated with preterm delivery. Patterns were similar across all exposure windows. CONCLUSIONS Because both CO concentrations and preeclampsia incidence declined during the study period, secular changes in another preeclampsia risk factor may explain the association observed here. We saw little evidence of other associations with preeclampsia or preterm delivery in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole B Rudra
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Professions, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214-8001, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
358
|
Barnett AG, Plonka K, Seow WK, Wilson LA, Hansen C. Increased traffic exposure and negative birth outcomes: a prospective cohort in Australia. Environ Health 2011; 10:26. [PMID: 21453550 PMCID: PMC3083331 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-10-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women exposed to traffic pollution have an increased risk of negative birth outcomes. We aimed to investigate the size of this risk using a prospective cohort of 970 mothers and newborns in Logan, Queensland. METHODS We examined two measures of traffic: distance to nearest road and number of roads around the home. To examine the effect of distance we used the number of roads around the home in radii from 50 to 500 metres. We examined three road types: freeways, highways and main roads. RESULTS There were no associations with distance to road. A greater number of freeways and main roads around the home were associated with a shorter gestation time. There were no negative impacts on birth weight, birth length or head circumference after adjusting for gestation. The negative effects on gestation were largely due to main roads within 400 metres of the home. For every 10 extra main roads within 400 metres of the home, gestation time was reduced by 1.1% (95% CI: -1.7, -0.5; p-value = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results add weight to the association between exposure to traffic and reduced gestation time. This effect may be due to the chemical toxins in traffic pollutants, or because of disturbed sleep due to traffic noise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian G Barnett
- School of Public Health & Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kathryn Plonka
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Health Metro South Health Service District, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - W Kim Seow
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lee-Ann Wilson
- School of Public Health & Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig Hansen
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
359
|
Gan WQ, Koehoorn M, Davies HW, Demers PA, Tamburic L, Brauer M. Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and the risk of coronary heart disease hospitalization and mortality. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:501-7. [PMID: 21081301 PMCID: PMC3080932 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that exposure to road traffic is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify specific traffic-related air pollutants that are associated with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality to support evidence-based environmental policy making. METHODS This population-based cohort study included a 5-year exposure period and a 4-year follow-up period. All residents 45-85 years of age who resided in Metropolitan Vancouver during the exposure period and without known CHD at baseline were included in this study (n=452,735). Individual exposures to traffic-related air pollutants including black carbon, fine particles [aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM(2.5))], nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), and nitric oxide were estimated at residences of the subjects using land-use regression models and integrating changes in residences during the exposure period. CHD hospitalizations and deaths during the follow-up period were identified from provincial hospitalization and death registration records. RESULTS An interquartile range elevation in the average concentration of black carbon (0.94 × 10(-5)/m filter absorbance, equivalent to approximately 0.8 µg/m(3) elemental carbon) was associated with a 3% increase in CHD hospitalization (95% confidence interval, 1-5%) and a 6% increase in CHD mortality (3-9%) after adjusting for age, sex, preexisting comorbidity, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and copollutants (PM(2.5) and NO(2)). There were clear linear exposure-response relationships between black carbon and coronary events. CONCLUSIONS Long-term exposure to traffic-related fine particulate air pollution, indicated by black carbon, may partly explain the observed associations between exposure to road traffic and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Qi Gan
- School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
360
|
Kashima S, Naruse H, Yorifuji T, Ohki S, Murakoshi T, Takao S, Tsuda T, Doi H. Residential proximity to heavy traffic and birth weight in Shizuoka, Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2011; 111:377-387. [PMID: 21396634 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/12/2011] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
An association between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and reduced birth weight has been suggested. However, previous studies have failed to adjust for maternal size, which is an indicator of individual genetic growth potential. Therefore, we evaluated the association of air pollution with birth weight, term low birth weight (term-LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA), with adjustment for maternal size. Individual data were extracted from a database that is maintained by a maternal and perinatal care center in Shizuoka, Japan. We identified liveborn singleton births (n=14,204). Using geocoded residential information, each birth was assigned a number of traffic-based exposure indicators: distance to a major road; distance-weighted traffic density; and estimated concentration of nitrogen dioxide by land use regression. The multivariate adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between exposure indicators and outcomes were then estimated using logistic regression models. Overall, exposure indicators of air pollution showed no clear pattern of association. Although there are many limitations, we did not find clear associations between birth-weight-related outcomes and the three markers of traffic-related air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saori Kashima
- Department of Public Health and Health Policy, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
361
|
Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter and birth weight: variations by particulate constituents and sources. Epidemiology 2011; 21:884-91. [PMID: 20811286 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0b013e3181f2f405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) during pregnancy has been linked to lower birth weight; however, the chemical composition of PM2.5 varies widely. The health effects of PM2.5 constituents are unknown. METHODS We investigated whether PM2.5 mass, constituents, and sources are associated with birth weight for term births. PM2.5 filters collected in 3 Connecticut counties and 1 Massachusetts county from August 2000 through February 2004 were analyzed for more than 50 elements. Source apportionment was used to estimate daily contributions of PM2.5 sources, including traffic, road dust/crustal, oil combustion, salt, and regional (sulfur) sources. Gestational and trimester exposure to PM2.5 mass, constituents, and source contributions were examined in relation to birth weight and risk of small-at-term birth (term birth <2500 g) for 76,788 infants. RESULTS Road dust and related constituents such as silicon and aluminum were associated with lower birth weight, as were the motor-vehicle-related species such as elemental carbon and zinc, and the oil-combustion-associated elements vanadium and nickel. An interquartile range increase in exposure was associated with low birthweight for zinc (12% increase in risk), elemental carbon (13%), silicon (10%), aluminum (11%), vanadium (8%), and nickel (11%). Analysis by trimester showed effects of third-trimester exposure to elemental carbon, nickel, vanadium, and oil-combustion PM2.5. CONCLUSIONS Exposures of pregnant women to higher levels of certain PM2.5 chemical constituents originating from specific sources are associated with lower birth weight.
Collapse
|
362
|
Rossner P, Tabashidze N, Dostal M, Novakova Z, Chvatalova I, Spatova M, Sram RJ. Genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors associated with pregnancy outcomes in newborns from the Czech Republic. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:265-271. [PMID: 20923744 PMCID: PMC3040616 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative damage to placental DNA can result in negative pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and low birth weight (LBW). OBJECTIVE We investigated associations between the levels of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2´-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, in placental DNA, exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy, genetic polymorphisms in 94 selected genes, and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS We studied 891 newborns who were IUGR- or LBW-affected or normal weight and were born between 1994 and 1999 in the Czech Republic in two districts with different levels of air pollution. RESULTS We found nonsignificantly elevated 8-oxodG levels in the IUGR-affected group compared with the non-IUGR group (p = 0.055). Similarly, slightly elevated 8-oxodG levels were found in the LBW-affected group compared with the non-LBW group (p < 0.050). In univariate analyses, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with 8-oxodG levels, IUGR, and LBW. Exposure to particulate matter < 2.5 µm was associated with increased 8-oxodG levels in placental DNA and LBW. However, multivariate-adjusted logistic regression revealed that above-median 8-oxodG levels were the only factor significantly associated with IUGR [OR = 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07-2.37; p = 0.022]. Above-median levels of 8-oxodG were associated with LBW (OR = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.15-3.06; p = 0.011). Other variables associated with LBW included sex and gestational age of the newborn, maternal smoking, and haplotypes in the promoter region of the gene encoding mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2). The role of air pollutants in the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes seemed to be less important. CONCLUSIONS Levels of 8-oxodG in placental DNA were associated with the risk of IUGR as well as LBW. Newborn's sex, gestational age, maternal smoking, and genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of the MBL2 gene were associated with LBW incidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Radim J. Sram
- Address correspondence to R.J. Sram, Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083; 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic. Telephone: 420-24106-2596. Fax: 420-24106-2785. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
363
|
|
364
|
Olmo NRS, Saldiva PHDN, Braga ALF, Lin CA, Santos UDP, Pereira LAA. A review of low-level air pollution and adverse effects on human health: implications for epidemiological studies and public policy. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2011; 66:681-90. [PMID: 21655765 PMCID: PMC3093800 DOI: 10.1590/s1807-59322011000400025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to review original scientific articles describing the relationship between atmospheric pollution and damage to human health. We also aimed to determine which of these studies mentioned public policy issues. Original articles relating to atmospheric pollution and human health published between 1995 and 2009 were retrieved from the PubMed database and analyzed. This study included only articles dealing with atmospheric pollutants resulting primarily from vehicle emissions. Three researchers were involved in the final selection of the studies, and the chosen articles were approved by at least two of the three researchers. Of the 84 non-Brazilian studies analyzed, 80 showed an association between atmospheric pollution and adverse effects on human health. Moreover, 66 showed evidence of adverse effects on human health, even at levels below the permitted emission standards. Three studies mentioned public policies aimed at changing emission standards. Similarly, the 29 selected Brazilian studies reported adverse associations with human health, and 27 showed evidence of adverse effects even at levels below the legally permitted emission standards. Of these studies, 16 mentioned public policies aimed at changing emission standards. Based on the Brazilian and non-Brazilian scientific studies that have been conducted, it can be concluded that, even under conditions that are compliant with Brazilian air quality standards, the concentration of atmospheric pollutants in Brazil can negatively affect human health. However, as little discussion of this topic has been generated, this finding demonstrates the need to incorporate epidemiological evidence into decisions regarding legal regulations and to discuss the public policy implications in epidemiological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neide Regina Simoes Olmo
- Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution, Department of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
365
|
|
366
|
Gehring U, Wijga AH, Fischer P, de Jongste JC, Kerkhof M, Koppelman GH, Smit HA, Brunekreef B. Traffic-related air pollution, preterm birth and term birth weight in the PIAMA birth cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2011; 111:125-35. [PMID: 21067713 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2010.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal exposure to air pollution has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Few studies took into account the spatial and temporal variation of air pollution levels. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of maternal exposure to traffic-related air pollution during pregnancy on preterm birth and term birth weight using a spatio-temporal exposure model. METHODS We estimated maternal residential exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), particulate matter (PM(2.5)) and soot during pregnancy (entire pregnancy, 1st trimester, and last month) for 3853 singleton births within the Dutch PIAMA prospective birth cohort study by means of temporally adjusted land-use regression models. Associations between air pollution concentrations and preterm birth and term birth weight were analyzed by means of logistic and linear regression models with and without adjustment for maternal physical, lifestyle, and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS We found positive, statistically non-significant associations between exposure to soot during entire pregnancy and during the last month of pregnancy and preterm birth [adj. OR (95% CI) per interquartile range increase in exposure 1.08 (0.88-1.34) and 1.09 (0.93-1.27), respectively]. There was no indication of an adverse effect of air pollution exposure on term birth weight. CONCLUSIONS In this study, maternal exposure to traffic-related air pollution during pregnancy was not associated with term birth weight. There was a tendency towards an increased risk of preterm birth with increasing air pollution exposure, but statistical power was low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Gehring
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, PO Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
367
|
Changes in residential proximity to road traffic and the risk of death from coronary heart disease. Epidemiology 2010; 21:642-9. [PMID: 20585255 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0b013e3181e89f19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residential proximity to road traffic is associated with increased coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality. It is unknown, however, whether changes in residential proximity to traffic could alter the risk of CHD mortality. METHODS We used a population-based cohort study with a 5-year exposure period and a 4-year follow-up period to explore the association between changes in residential proximity to road traffic and the risk of CHD mortality. The cohort comprised all residents aged 45-85 years who resided in metropolitan Vancouver during the exposure period and without known CHD at baseline (n = 450,283). Residential proximity to traffic was estimated using a geographic information system. CHD deaths during the follow-up period were identified using provincial death registration database. The data were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS Compared with the subjects consistently living away from road traffic (>150 m from a highway or >50 m from a major road) during the 9-year study period, those consistently living close to traffic (<or=150 m from a highway or <or=50 m from a major road) had the greatest risk of CHD mortality (relative risk [RR] = 1.29 [95% confidence interval = 1.18-1.41]). By comparison, those who moved closer to traffic during the exposure period had less increased risk than those who were consistently exposed (1.20 [1.00-1.43]), and those who moved away from traffic had even less increase in the risk (1.14 [0.95-1.37]). All analyses were adjusted for baseline age, sex, pre-existing comorbidities (diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertensive heart disease), and neighborhood socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS Living close to major roadways was associated with increased risk of coronary mortality, whereas moving away from major roadways was associated with decreased risk.
Collapse
|
368
|
Basu R, Malig B, Ostro B. High ambient temperature and the risk of preterm delivery. Am J Epidemiol 2010; 172:1108-17. [PMID: 20889619 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwq170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With temperatures expected to increase because of climate change, it is essential to study the health outcomes of elevated temperature in vulnerable populations, such as expectant mothers. In this study, the authors estimated the association between heat and humidity, as measured by apparent temperature, and preterm delivery. They conducted a case-crossover analysis of almost 60,000 births spanning 16 counties in California that occurred from 1999 to 2006 between May and September. The authors identified cases of preterm birth from a state registry of births, which were combined with meteorologic and air pollution monitoring data based on residential zip code. High ambient temperature was significantly associated with preterm birth for all mothers, regardless of maternal racial/ethnic group, maternal age, maternal education, or sex of the infant. Results indicated that an 8.6% increase (95% confidence interval: 6.0, 11.3) in preterm delivery was associated with a 10°F (5.6°C) increase in weekly average (lag06) apparent temperature. Greater associations were observed for younger mothers, blacks, and Asians. These associations were independent of air pollutants. Given the significant associations for apparent temperature and preterm delivery found in this study, more large-scale studies of temperature and preterm delivery are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupa Basu
- California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Air Pollution Epidemiology Section, Oakland, California 94612, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
369
|
Llop S, Ballester F, Estarlich M, Esplugues A, Rebagliato M, Iñiguez C. Preterm birth and exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2010; 110:778-785. [PMID: 20932516 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2010.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Revised: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has shown that prenatal exposure to air pollutants may have a detrimental effect on fetal development, with the strength of the relationship depending on the effect being studied. The evidence to date, however, is insufficient to establish a direct causal link between such exposure and preterm delivery. This study evaluates the specific effect of prenatal exposure to NO(2) and benzene on preterm births. METHODS The population under study comprised 785 pregnant women who formed part of the INMA cohort in Valencia, Spain (2003-2005). Multiple regression models were used for mapping outdoor nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) and benzene levels throughout the area. Individual exposure was assigned as the estimated outdoor levels at each woman's home measured during each trimester as well as throughout the entire pregnancy. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated in order to assess the association between preterm birth and exposure to NO(2) and benzene. The shape of the exposure-response curve between air pollution and the risk of preterm birth was analyzed with a flexible approach, introducing a natural cubic spline for air pollution levels into the model. RESULTS Pregnant women exposed to NO(2) and benzene have an increased risk of preterm birth. This risk was shown to be significant when women were exposed to NO(2) levels >46.2 μg/m(3) during the second and third trimesters as well as throughout the entire pregnancy and to benzene levels >2.7 μg/m(3) throughout the entire pregnancy. CONCLUSION These results suggest that maternal exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with preterm birth.
Collapse
|
370
|
Lepeule J, Caïni F, Bottagisi S, Galineau J, Hulin A, Marquis N, Bohet A, Siroux V, Kaminski M, Charles MA, Slama R. Maternal exposure to nitrogen dioxide during pregnancy and offspring birth weight: comparison of two exposure models. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:1483-9. [PMID: 20472526 PMCID: PMC2957933 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Accepted: 05/14/2010] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of the effects of air pollutants on birth weight often assess exposure with networks of permanent air quality monitoring stations (AQMSs), which have a poor spatial resolution. OBJECTIVE We aimed to compare the exposure model based on the nearest AQMS and a temporally adjusted geostatistical (TAG) model with a finer spatial resolution, for use in pregnancy studies. METHODS The AQMS and TAG exposure models were implemented in two areas surrounding medium-size cities in which 776 pregnant women were followed as part of the EDEN mother-child cohort. The exposure models were compared in terms of estimated nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels and of their association with birth weight. RESULTS The correlations between the two estimates of exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy were r = 0.67, 0.70, and 0.83 for women living within 5, 2, and 1 km of an AQMS, respectively. Exposure patterns displayed greater spatial than temporal variations. Exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy was most strongly associated with birth weight for women living < 2 km away from an AQMS: a 10-µg/m3 increase in NO2 exposure was associated with an adjusted difference in birth weight of -37 g [95% confidence interval (CI), -75 to 1 g] for the nearest-AQMS model and of -51 g (95% CI, -128 to 26 g) for the TAG model. The association was less strong (higher p-value) for women living within 5 or 1 km of an AQMS. CONCLUSIONS The two exposure models tended to give consistent results in terms of association with birth weight, despite the moderate concordance between exposure estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Lepeule
- INSERM, Avenir Team Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Fecundity and Reproduction, Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
371
|
Kelishadi R, Poursafa P. Air pollution and non-respiratory health hazards for children. Arch Med Sci 2010; 6:483-95. [PMID: 22371790 PMCID: PMC3284061 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2010.14458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 08/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Air pollution is a global health issue with serious public health implications, particularly for children. Usually respiratory effects of air pollutants are considered, but this review highlights the importance of non-respiratory health hazards. In addition to short-term effects, exposure to criteria air pollutants from early life might be associated with low birth weight, increase in oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, which in turn might have long-term effects on chronic non-communicable diseases. In view of the emerging epidemic of chronic disease in low- and middle- income countries, the vicious cycle of rapid urbanization and increasing levels of air pollution, public health and regulatory policies for air quality protection should be integrated into the main priorities of the primary health care system and into the educational curriculum of health professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roya Kelishadi
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Centre, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
372
|
Januário DANF, Perin PM, Maluf M, Lichtenfels AJ, Nascimento Saldiva PH. Biological effects and dose-response assessment of diesel exhaust particles on in vitro early embryo development in mice. Toxicol Sci 2010; 117:200-8. [PMID: 20525899 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfq165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An increased risk of early pregnancy loss in women briefly exposed to high levels of ambient particulate matter during the preconceptional period was recently observed. The effects of this exposure on early embryo development are unknown. This study was designed to assess the dose-response and biological effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on in vitro embryo development using the in vitro fertilization (IVF) mouse model. Zygotes obtained from superovulated mice after IVF were randomly cultured in different DEP concentrations (0, 0.2, 2, and 20 microg/cm(2)) for 5 days and observed for their capacity to attach and develop on a fibronectin matrix until day 8. Main outcome measures included blastocyst rates 96 and 120 h after insemination, hatching discriminatory score, total cell count, proportion of cell allocation to inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE), ICM morphology, attachment rate and outgrowth area, apoptosis and necrosis rates, and Oct-4 and Cdx-2 expression. Multivariate analysis showed a negative dose-dependent effect on early embryo development and hatching process, blastocyst cell allocation, and ICM morphology. Although blastocyst attachment and outgrowth were not affected by DEP, a significant impairment of ICM integrity was observed in day 8 blastocysts. Cell death through apoptosis was significantly higher after DEP exposure. Oct-4 expression and the Oct-4/Cdx-2 ratio were significantly decreased in day 5 blastocysts irrespective of DEP concentration. Results suggest that DEP appear to play an important role in disrupting cell lineage segregation and ICM morphological integrity even at lower concentrations, compromising future growth and viability of the blastocyst.
Collapse
|
373
|
Aguilera I, Garcia-Esteban R, Iñiguez C, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Rodríguez À, Paez M, Ballester F, Sunyer J. Prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution and ultrasound measures of fetal growth in the INMA Sabadell cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:705-11. [PMID: 20103496 PMCID: PMC2866689 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2010] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have used longitudinal ultrasound measurements to assess the effect of traffic-related air pollution on fetal growth. OBJECTIVE We examined the relationship between exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and aromatic hydrocarbons [benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, and o-xylene (BTEX)] on fetal growth assessed by 1,692 ultrasound measurements among 562 pregnant women from the Sabadell cohort of the Spanish INMA (Environment and Childhood) study. METHODS We used temporally adjusted land-use regression models to estimate exposures to NO2 and BTEX. We fitted mixed-effects models to estimate longitudinal growth curves for femur length (FL), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), and estimated fetal weight (EFW). Unconditional and conditional SD scores were calculated at 12, 20, and 32 weeks of gestation. Sensitivity analyses were performed considering time-activity patterns during pregnancy. RESULTS Exposure to BTEX from early pregnancy was negatively associated with growth in BPD during weeks 20-32. None of the other fetal growth parameters were associated with exposure to air pollution during pregnancy. When considering only women who spent < 2 hr/day in nonresidential outdoor locations, effect estimates were stronger and statistically significant for the association between NO2 and growth in HC during weeks 12-20 and growth in AC, BPD, and EFW during weeks 20-32. CONCLUSIONS Our results lend some support to an effect of exposure to traffic-related air pollutants from early pregnancy on fetal growth during mid-pregnancy..
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Aguilera
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain
- Municipal Institute of Medical Research (IMIM-Hospital del Mar), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
- Address correspondence to I. Aguilera, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona, Spain 08003. Telephone: 34-932147300. Fax: 34-932147301. E-mail:
| | - Raquel Garcia-Esteban
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain
- Municipal Institute of Medical Research (IMIM-Hospital del Mar), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Public Health Research, Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain
- Municipal Institute of Medical Research (IMIM-Hospital del Mar), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àgueda Rodríguez
- Servei de Ginecologia i Obstetrícia, Hospital Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain
| | | | - Ferran Ballester
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Public Health Research, Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain
- Municipal Institute of Medical Research (IMIM-Hospital del Mar), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
374
|
Madsen C, Gehring U, Walker SE, Brunekreef B, Stigum H, Naess O, Nafstad P. Ambient air pollution exposure, residential mobility and term birth weight in Oslo, Norway. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2010; 110:363-71. [PMID: 20227069 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2010.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure during pregnancy may have lifelong health consequences for the offspring and some studies have association between maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and offspring's birth weight. However, many of these studies do not take into account small-scale variations in exposure, residential mobility, and work addresses during pregnancy. We used information from the National Birth Registry of Norway to examine associations between ambient environmental exposure such as air pollution and temperature, and offspring's birth weight taking advantage of information on migration history and work address in a large population-based cohort. A dispersion model was used to estimate ambient air pollution levels at all residential addresses and work addresses for a total of 25,229 pregnancies between 1999 and 2002 in Oslo, Norway. Ambient exposure to traffic pollution for the entire pregnancy was associated with a reduction in term birth weight in crude analyzes when comparing children of the highest and lowest exposed mothers. No evidence for an association between exposure to traffic pollution at home and work addresses and term birth weight after adjustment for covariates known to influence birth weight during pregnancy. After stratification, small statistically non-significant reductions were present but only for multiparious mothers. This group also had less residential mobility and less employment during pregnancy. The overall findings suggest no clear association between term birth weight and traffic pollution exposure during pregnancy. However, mobility patterns could introduce possible confounding when examining small-scale variations in exposure by using addresses. This could be of importance in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Madsen
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404, Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
375
|
Rudra CB, Williams MA, Sheppard L, Koenig JQ, Schiff MA, Frederick IO, Dills R. Relation of whole blood carboxyhemoglobin concentration to ambient carbon monoxide exposure estimated using regression. Am J Epidemiol 2010; 171:942-51. [PMID: 20308199 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwq022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and other ambient air pollutants is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. While there are several methods of estimating CO exposure, few have been evaluated against exposure biomarkers. The authors examined the relation between estimated CO exposure and blood carboxyhemoglobin concentration in 708 pregnant western Washington State women (1996-2004). Carboxyhemoglobin was measured in whole blood drawn around 13 weeks' gestation. CO exposure during the month of blood draw was estimated using a regression model containing predictor terms for year, month, street and population densities, and distance to the nearest major road. Year and month were the strongest predictors. Carboxyhemoglobin level was correlated with estimated CO exposure (rho = 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15, 0.29). After adjustment for covariates, each 10% increase in estimated exposure was associated with a 1.12% increase in median carboxyhemoglobin level (95% CI: 0.54, 1.69). This association remained after exclusion of 286 women who reported smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke (rho = 0.24). In this subgroup, the median carboxyhemoglobin concentration increased 1.29% (95% CI: 0.67, 1.91) for each 10% increase in CO exposure. Monthly estimated CO exposure was moderately correlated with an exposure biomarker. These results support the validity of this regression model for estimating ambient CO exposures in this population and geographic setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole B Rudra
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 270 Farber Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214-8001, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
376
|
Ambient particulate matter and preterm birth or birth weight: a review of the literature. Arch Toxicol 2010; 84:447-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-010-0514-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
377
|
Clark NA, Demers PA, Karr CJ, Koehoorn M, Lencar C, Tamburic L, Brauer M. Effect of early life exposure to air pollution on development of childhood asthma. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:284-90. [PMID: 20123607 PMCID: PMC2831931 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0900916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing recognition of the importance of early environmental exposures in the development of childhood asthma. Outdoor air pollution is a recognized asthma trigger, but it is unclear whether exposure influences incident disease. We investigated the effect of exposure to ambient air pollution in utero and during the first year of life on risk of subsequent asthma diagnosis in a population-based nested case-control study. METHODS We assessed all children born in southwestern British Columbia in 1999 and 2000 (n = 37,401) for incidence of asthma diagnosis up to 34 years of age using outpatient and hospitalization records. Asthma cases were age- and sex-matched to five randomly chosen controls from the eligible cohort. We estimated each individual's exposure to ambient air pollution for the gestational period and first year of life using high-resolution pollution surfaces derived from regulatory monitoring data as well as land use regression models adjusted for temporal variation. We used logistic regression analyses to estimate effects of carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter <or= 10 microm and <or= 2.5 microm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10 and PM2.5), ozone, sulfur dioxide, black carbon, woodsmoke, and proximity to roads and point sources on asthma diagnosis. RESULTS A total of 3,482 children (9%) were classified as asthma cases. We observed a statistically significantly increased risk of asthma diagnosis with increased early life exposure to CO, NO, NO2, PM10, SO2, and black carbon and proximity to point sources. Traffic-related pollutants were associated with the highest risks: adjusted odds ratio = 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.041.12) for a 10-microg/m3 increase of NO, 1.12 (1.071.17) for a 10-microg/m3 increase in NO2, and 1.10 (1.061.13) for a 100-microg/m3 increase in CO. These data support the hypothesis that early childhood exposure to air pollutants plays a role in development of asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul A. Demers
- School of Population and Public Health and
- School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Catherine J. Karr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mieke Koehoorn
- School of Population and Public Health and
- School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cornel Lencar
- School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lillian Tamburic
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Brauer
- School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Address correspondence to M. Brauer, School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada. Telephone: (604) 822-9585. Fax: (604) 822-9588. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
378
|
Wilton D, Szpiro A, Gould T, Larson T. Improving spatial concentration estimates for nitrogen oxides using a hybrid meteorological dispersion/land use regression model in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:1120-30. [PMID: 20006373 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2009] [Revised: 10/31/2009] [Accepted: 11/18/2009] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Predictions from a simple line source dispersion model, Caline3, were included as a covariate in a land use regression (LUR) model for NO(X)/NO(2) in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. The Caline3 model prediction assumed a unit emission factor for all roadway segments (1.0g/vehicle-mile). The NO(X) and/or NO(2) measurements for LA and Seattle were obtained from a comprehensive measurement campaign that is part of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Air Pollution Study (MESA Air). The measurement campaigns in both cities were approximately 2weeks in duration employing approximately 145 measurement sites in Greater LA and 26 sites in Seattle. The best "standard" LUR model (obtained without the inclusion of the Caline3 predictions) in LA had R(2) values of 0.53 for NO(X) and 0.74 for NO(2). The leave-one-out cross-validated R(2) values for NO(X) and NO(2) were 0.45 and 0.71, respectively. The equivalent "standard" NO(2) model for Seattle had an R(2) of 0.72 and a leave-one-out cross-validated R(2) of 0.63. When the Caline3 variable was included in the LA hybrid model, the R(2) values were 0.71 and 0.79 for NO(X) and NO(2), respectively. The corresponding cross-validated R(2) values were 0.66 and 0.77, for NOX and NO2, respectively. In Seattle, the inclusion of the Caline3 variable resulted in a NO(2) model with an R(2) of 0.81 and a corresponding cross-validated R(2) of 0.67. In LA, hybrid model performance was not affected by excluding roadways with annual average daily traffic volumes (AADT)<100,000. When the Caline3 predictions for heavy-duty trucks and lighter-duty vehicles were modelled as separate terms, the estimated fleet average NO(X) emission factors were 8.9 (SE=0.7) and 0.16 (SE=0.12) grams NO(X)/vehicle mile for heavy-duty and lighter-duty vehicles, respectively. These values are consistent with fleet average emission factors computed for LA with EMFAC 2007.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Wilton
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 201 More Hall, Box 352700, Seattle, WA 98195-2700, United States
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
379
|
Ballester F, Estarlich M, Iñiguez C, Llop S, Ramón R, Esplugues A, Lacasaña M, Rebagliato M. Air pollution exposure during pregnancy and reduced birth size: a prospective birth cohort study in Valencia, Spain. Environ Health 2010; 9:6. [PMID: 20113501 PMCID: PMC2845572 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-9-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal exposure to air pollution has been related to fetal growth in a number of recent scientific studies. The objective of this study was to assess the association between exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and anthropometric measures at birth in a cohort in Valencia, Spain. METHODS Seven hundred and eighty-five pregnant women and their singleton newborns participated in the study. Exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was estimated by means of land use regression. NO2 spatial estimations were adjusted to correspond to relevant pregnancy periods (whole pregnancy and trimesters) for each woman. Outcome variables were birth weight, length, and head circumference (HC), along with being small for gestational age (SGA). The association between exposure to residential outdoor NO2 and outcomes was assessed controlling for potential confounders and examining the shape of the relationship using generalized additive models (GAM). RESULTS For continuous anthropometric measures, GAM indicated a change in slope at NO2 concentrations of around 40 microg/m3. NO2 exposure >40 microg/m3 during the first trimester was associated with a change in birth length of -0.27 cm (95% CI: -0.51 to -0.03) and with a change in birth weight of -40.3 grams (-96.3 to 15.6); the same exposure throughout the whole pregnancy was associated with a change in birth HC of -0.17 cm (-0.34 to -0.003). The shape of the relation was seen to be roughly linear for the risk of being SGA. A 10 microg/m3 increase in NO2 during the second trimester was associated with being SGA-weight, odds ratio (OR): 1.37 (1.01-1.85). For SGA-length the estimate for the same comparison was OR: 1.42 (0.89-2.25). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution may reduce fetal growth. Findings from this study provide further evidence of the need for developing strategies to reduce air pollution in order to prevent risks to fetal health and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Ballester
- Center for Public Health Research (CSISP), Conselleria de Sanitat, Avda Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Nursing, Universitat de València, C Jaume Roig s/n 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marisa Estarlich
- Center for Public Health Research (CSISP), Conselleria de Sanitat, Avda Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- Center for Public Health Research (CSISP), Conselleria de Sanitat, Avda Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Center for Public Health Research (CSISP), Conselleria de Sanitat, Avda Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Ramón
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- General Directorate of Public Health. Conselleria de Sanitat, Avda Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Esplugues
- Center for Public Health Research (CSISP), Conselleria de Sanitat, Avda Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Lacasaña
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Andalusian School of Public Health (EASP), Campus de la Cartuja s/n, Granada, Spain
| | - Marisa Rebagliato
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
380
|
Rudra CB, Williams MA, Schiff MA, Koenig JQ, Dills R, Yu J. A prospective study of maternal carboxyhaemoglobin and pre-eclampsia risk. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2010; 24:35-44. [PMID: 20078828 PMCID: PMC2808632 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2009.01076.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to measure the relationship between early-pregnancy maternal carboxyhaemoglobin and subsequent pre-eclampsia risk. A nested case-control analysis was conducted using data from a western Washington State cohort study (1996-2004). We measured maternal whole blood carboxyhaemoglobin in 128 women who developed pre-eclampsia and 419 normotensive controls (mean gestational age at blood draw, 14.8 weeks). After adjustment for confounders, high (>/=1%) vs. low (<0.7%) carboxyhaemoglobin odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI] were 4.09 [1.30, 12.9] in multiparous women, 0.53 [0.23, 1.26] in primiparae and 1.11 [0.55, 2.25] in the overall study population (parity interaction P = 0.01). The influence of parity on the association was unexpected. The association between high carboxyhaemoglobin and pre-eclampsia risk in multiparae implicates hypoxia at the fetal-maternal interface as a pathogenic mechanism. These results also suggest that the aetiology of the disease may differ according to parity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole B. Rudra
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo NY.,Center for Perinatal Studies, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle WA
| | - Michelle A. Williams
- Center for Perinatal Studies, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle WA.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Melissa A. Schiff
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA.,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle WA
| | - Jane Q. Koenig
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Russell Dills
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Jianbo Yu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| |
Collapse
|
381
|
van den Hooven EH, Jaddoe VWV, de Kluizenaar Y, Hofman A, Mackenbach JP, Steegers EAP, Miedema HME, Pierik FH. Residential traffic exposure and pregnancy-related outcomes: a prospective birth cohort study. Environ Health 2009; 8:59. [PMID: 20028508 PMCID: PMC2811104 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-8-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of ambient air pollution on pregnancy outcomes are under debate. Previous studies have used different air pollution exposure assessment methods. The considerable traffic-related intra-urban spatial variation needs to be considered in exposure assessment. Residential proximity to traffic is a proxy for traffic-related exposures that takes into account within-city contrasts. METHODS We investigated the association between residential proximity to traffic and various birth and pregnancy outcomes in 7,339 pregnant women and their children participating in a population-based cohort study. Residential proximity to traffic was defined as 1) distance-weighted traffic density in a 150 meter radius, and 2) proximity to a major road. We estimated associations of these exposures with birth weight, and with the risks of preterm birth and small size for gestational age at birth. Additionally, we examined associations with pregnancy-induced hypertension, (pre)eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. RESULTS There was considerable variation in distance-weighted traffic density. Almost fifteen percent of the participants lived within 50 m of a major road. Residential proximity to traffic was not associated with birth and pregnancy outcomes in the main analysis and in various sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Mothers exposed to residential traffic had no higher risk of adverse birth outcomes or pregnancy complications in this study. Future studies may be refined by taking both temporal and spatial variation in air pollution exposure into account.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edith H van den Hooven
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Environment and Health, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Delft, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent WV Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne de Kluizenaar
- Department of Environment and Health, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Hofman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan P Mackenbach
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric AP Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk ME Miedema
- Department of Environment and Health, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Frank H Pierik
- Department of Environment and Health, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Delft, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
382
|
Harris P, Lindley S, Gallagher M, Agius R. Identification and verification of ultrafine particle affinity zones in urban neighbourhoods: sample design and data pre-processing. Environ Health 2009; 8 Suppl 1:S5. [PMID: 20102590 PMCID: PMC2796501 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-8-s1-s5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A methodology is presented and validated through which long-term fixed site air quality measurements are used to characterise and remove temporal signals in sample-based measurements which have good spatial coverage but poor temporal resolution. The work has been carried out specifically to provide a spatial dataset of atmospheric ultrafine particle (UFP < 100 nm) data for ongoing epidemiologic cohort analysis but the method is readily transferable to wider epidemiologic investigations and research into the health effects of other pollutant species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Harris
- National Centre for Geocomputation, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland, UK
| | - Sarah Lindley
- School of Environment & Development (Geography), University of Manchester, UK
| | - Martin Gallagher
- Centre for Atmospheric Science, School of Earth, Atmospheric & Environmental Science, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Raymond Agius
- Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group, School of Translational Medicine, University of Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
383
|
Auten RL, Potts EN, Mason SN, Fischer B, Huang Y, Foster WM. Maternal exposure to particulate matter increases postnatal ozone-induced airway hyperreactivity in juvenile mice. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009; 180:1218-26. [PMID: 19762564 PMCID: PMC2796733 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200901-0116oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Epidemiologic studies implicate air pollutant exposure during pregnancy as a risk factor for wheezing in offspring. Ozone exposure is linked to exacerbations of wheezing in children. OBJECTIVES To determine if maternal pulmonary exposure to traffic-related particles during pregnancy augments ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in offspring. METHODS C57BL6 time-mated mice were given NIST SRM#1648 (particulate matter [PM]) 0.48 mg, saline vehicle, or no treatment by tracheal insufflation twice weekly for 3 weeks. PM exposure augmented maternal lung inflammation and placental TNF-alpha, Keratinocyte-derived cytokine (KC), and IL-6 (measured at gestation Day 18). After parturition, dams and litters were exposed to air or ozone 1 ppm 3 h/d, every other day, thrice weekly for 4 weeks. Respiratory system resistance in pups was measured at baseline and after administration of nebulized methacholine. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Ozone increased airway hyperresponsiveness, but the increase was greatest in pups born to PM-treated dams. Whole-lung TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, KC, IL-6, and MCP-1 were increased in ozone-treated pups, with the greatest increase in pups born to dams given PM. Airway epithelial mucous metaplasia estimated by periodic acid-Schiff Alcian blue staining was increased in ozone-exposed pups born to PM-treated dams. Alveolar development, determined by morphometry, and airway smooth muscle bulk, estimated using alpha-actin histochemistry, were unaffected by prenatal or postnatal treatment. CONCLUSIONS Maternal pulmonary exposure to PM during pregnancy augments placental cytokine expression and postnatal ozone-induced pulmonary inflammatory cytokine responses and ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness without altering airway structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Auten
- Neonatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
384
|
Iñiguez C, Ballester F, Estarlich M, Llop S, Fernandez-Patier R, Aguirre-Alfaro A, Esplugues A. Estimation of personal NO2 exposure in a cohort of pregnant women. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2009; 407:6093-9. [PMID: 19740523 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 07/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/05/2009] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing concern about the possible adverse effects of exposure to air pollution on health during pregnancy. Therefore, a priority of the INMA (environment and childhood) study was to estimate personal exposure to traffic-related air pollution. In the cohort from Valencia (n=855), ambient levels of NO(2) were measured at 93 sampling sites spread over the study area during four different sampling periods of 7 days each. Multiple regression models were used to map ambient NO(2) over the area. Geographical data and predictions from kriging obtained by the "let one out" procedure were used as predictors. Individual exposure was assigned as 1) the estimated ambient NO(2) level at the home address and 2) the average of estimated ambient NO(2) levels at home and work addresses, weighted by the time spent in each environment. Estimations were temporally customized using the NO(2) levels registered daily by the regional Air Pollution Monitoring Network. The entire pregnancy and each trimester were taken as exposure windows. The model for the mean levels of NO(2) during the sampling periods explained 81% of the variation in NO(2) levels. Relative percent differences between the two models of personal exposure assignment were less than 9% for more than 90% of the participants; however the rest of them showed marked differences. Personal exposure estimates were slightly higher in the second model. In both cases, exposure during the whole pregnancy was strongly correlated with exposure in the second trimester. Considering periods shorter than the entire pregnancy will provide us the opportunity to identify specific windows of susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Iñiguez
- Centre Superior d'Investigació en Salut Pública, Conselleria de Sanidad, Avenida Cataluña 21, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
385
|
Karr CJ, Demers PA, Koehoorn MW, Lencar CC, Tamburic L, Brauer M. Influence of Ambient Air Pollutant Sources on Clinical Encounters for Infant Bronchiolitis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009; 180:995-1001. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200901-0117oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
386
|
Wu J, Ren C, Delfino RJ, Chung J, Wilhelm M, Ritz B. Association between local traffic-generated air pollution and preeclampsia and preterm delivery in the south coast air basin of California. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:1773-9. [PMID: 20049131 PMCID: PMC2801174 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0800334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a major complication of pregnancy that can lead to substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity, mortality, and preterm birth. Increasing evidence suggests that air pollution adversely affects pregnancy outcomes. Yet few studies have examined how local traffic-generated emissions affect preeclampsia in addition to preterm birth. OBJECTIVES We examined effects of residential exposure to local traffic-generated air pollution on preeclampsia and preterm delivery (PTD). METHODS We identified 81,186 singleton birth records from four hospitals (1997-2006) in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California (USA). We used a line-source dispersion model (CALINE4) to estimate individual exposure to local traffic-generated nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) and particulate matter < 2.5 mum in aerodynamic diameter (PM(2.5)) across the entire pregnancy. We used logistic regression to estimate effects of air pollution exposures on preeclampsia, PTD (gestational age < 37 weeks), moderate PTD (MPTD; gestational age < 35 weeks), and very PTD (VPTD; gestational age < 30 weeks). RESULTS We observed elevated risks for preeclampsia and preterm birth from maternal exposure to local traffic-generated NO(x) and PM(2.5). The risk of preeclampsia increased 33% [odds ratio (OR) = 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18-1.49] and 42% (OR = 1.42; 95% CI, 1.26-1.59) for the highest NO(x) and PM(2.5) exposure quartiles, respectively. The risk of VPTD increased 128% (OR = 2.28; 95% CI, 2.15-2.42) and 81% (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.71-1.92) for women in the highest NO(x) and PM(2.5) exposure quartiles, respectively. CONCLUSION Exposure to local traffic-generated air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth in Southern California women. These results provide further evidence that air pollution is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-7555, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
387
|
Marshall JD, Brauer M, Frank LD. Healthy neighborhoods: walkability and air pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:1752-9. [PMID: 20049128 PMCID: PMC2801167 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0900595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The built environment may influence health in part through the promotion of physical activity and exposure to pollution. To date, no studies have explored interactions between neighborhood walkability and air pollution exposure. METHODS We estimated concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), a marker for direct vehicle emissions), and ozone (O(3)) and a neighborhood walkability score, for 49,702 (89% of total) postal codes in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. NO concentrations were estimated from a land-use regression model, O(3) was estimated from ambient monitoring data; walkability was calculated based on geographic attributes such as land-use mix, street connectivity, and residential density. RESULTS All three attributes exhibit an urban-rural gradient, with high walkability and NO concentrations, and low O(3) concentrations, near the city center. Lower-income areas tend to have higher NO concentrations and walkability and lower O(3) concentrations. Higher-income areas tend to have lower pollution (NO and O(3)). "Sweet-spot" neighborhoods (low pollution, high walkability) are generally located near but not at the city center and are almost exclusively higher income. POLICY IMPLICATIONS Increased concentration of activities in urban settings yields both health costs and benefits. Our research identifies neighborhoods that do especially well (and especially poorly) for walkability and air pollution exposure. Work is needed to ensure that the poor do not bear an undue burden of urban air pollution and that neighborhoods designed for walking, bicycling, or mass transit do not adversely affect resident's exposure to air pollution. Analyses presented here could be replicated in other cities and tracked over time to better understand interactions among neighborhood walkability, air pollution exposure, and income level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian D Marshall
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
388
|
Aguilera I, Guxens M, Garcia-Esteban R, Corbella T, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Foradada CM, Sunyer J. Association between GIS-based exposure to urban air pollution during pregnancy and birth weight in the INMA Sabadell Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:1322-7. [PMID: 19672415 PMCID: PMC2721879 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0800256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 04/13/2009] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that traffic-related air pollution reduces birth weight. Improving exposure assessment is a key issue to advance in this research area. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effect of prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution via geographic information system (GIS) models on birth weight in 570 newborns from the INMA (Environment and Childhood) Sabadell cohort. METHODS We estimated pregnancy and trimester-specific exposures to nitrogen dioxide and aromatic hydrocarbons [benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, and o-xylene (BTEX)] by using temporally adjusted land-use regression (LUR) models. We built models for NO(2) and BTEX using four and three 1-week measurement campaigns, respectively, at 57 locations. We assessed the relationship between prenatal air pollution exposure and birth weight with linear regression models. We performed sensitivity analyses considering time spent at home and time spent in nonresidential outdoor environments during pregnancy. RESULTS In the overall cohort, neither NO(2) nor BTEX exposure was significantly associated with birth weight in any of the exposure periods. When considering only women who spent < 2 hr/day in nonresidential outdoor environments, the estimated reductions in birth weight associated with an interquartile range increase in BTEX exposure levels were 77 g [95% confidence interval (CI), 7-146 g] and 102 g (95% CI, 28-176 g) for exposures during the whole pregnancy and the second trimester, respectively. The effects of NO(2) exposure were less clear in this subset. CONCLUSIONS The association of BTEX with reduced birth weight underscores the negative role of vehicle exhaust pollutants in reproductive health. Time-activity patterns during pregnancy complement GIS-based models in exposure assessment.
Collapse
|
389
|
Larson T, Henderson SB, Brauer M. Mobile monitoring of particle light absorption coefficient in an urban area as a basis for land use regression. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:4672-8. [PMID: 19673250 DOI: 10.1021/es803068e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Land use regression (LUR) is used to map spatial variability in air pollutant concentrations for risk assessment epidemiology, and air quality management. Conventional LUR requires long-term measurements at multiple locations, so application to particulate matter has been limited. Here we use mobile monitoring to characterize spatial variability in black carbon concentrations for LUR modeling. A particle soot absorption photometer in a moving vehicle was used to measure the absorption coefficient (sigma(ap)) during summertime periods of peak afternoon traffic at 39 locations. LUR was used to model the mean and 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile values of the distribution of 10 s measurements at each location. Model performance (measured by R2) was higher for the 25th and 50th percentiles (0.72 and 0.68, respectively) than for the mean, 75th and 90th percentiles (0.51, 0.55, and 0.54, respectively). Performance was similar to that reported for conventional LUR models of NO2 and NO in this region (116 sites) and better than that for mean sigma(ap) from fixed-location samplers (25 sites). Models of the mean, 75th, and 90th percentiles favored predictors describing truck, rather than total, traffic. This approach is applicable to other urban areas to facilitate the development of LUR models for particulate matter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Larson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
390
|
Currie J, Neidell M, Schmieder JF. Air pollution and infant health: Lessons from New Jersey. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2009; 28:688-703. [PMID: 19328569 PMCID: PMC2727943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2009.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Revised: 01/25/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We examine the impact of three "criteria" air pollutants on infant health in New Jersey in the 1990s by combining information about mother's residential location from birth certificates with information from air quality monitors. Our work offers three important innovations. First, we use the exact addresses of mothers to select those closest to air monitors to improve the accuracy of air quality exposure. Second, we include maternal fixed effects to control for unobserved characteristics of mothers. Third, we examine interactions of air pollution with smoking and other risk factors for poor infant health outcomes. We find consistently negative effects of exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), both during and after birth, with effects considerably larger for smokers and older mothers. Since automobiles are the main source of carbon monoxide emissions, our results have important implications for regulation of automobile emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Currie
- Columbia University, Department of Economics, International Affairs Building, New York, NY 10027, United States.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
391
|
Karr CJ, Rudra CB, Miller KA, Gould TR, Larson T, Sathyanarayana S, Koenig JQ. Infant exposure to fine particulate matter and traffic and risk of hospitalization for RSV bronchiolitis in a region with lower ambient air pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2009; 109:321-7. [PMID: 19211100 PMCID: PMC2925442 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2008.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2008] [Revised: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Few studies investigate the impact of air pollution on the leading cause of infant morbidity, acute bronchiolitis. We investigated the influence of PM(2.5) and other metrics of traffic-derived air pollution exposure using a matched case-control dataset derived from 1997 to 2003 birth and infant hospitalization records from the Puget Sound Region, Washington State. Mean daily PM(2.5) exposure for 7, 30, 60 and lifetime days before case bronchiolitis hospitalization date were derived from community monitors. A regional land use regression model of NO(2) was applied to characterize subject's exposure in the month prior to case hospitalization and lifetime average before hospitalization. Subject's residential proximity within 150 m of highways, major roadways, and truck routes was also assigned. We evaluated 2604 (83%) cases and 23,354 (85%) controls with information allowing adjustment for mother's education, mother's smoking during pregnancy, and infant race/ethnicity. Effect estimates derived from conditional logistic regression revealed very modest increased risk and were not statistically significant for any of the exposure metrics in fully adjusted models. Overall, risk estimates were stronger when restricted to bronchiolitis cases attributed to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) versus unspecified and for longer exposure windows. The adjusted odds ratio (OR(adj)) and 95% confidence interval per 10 mcg/m(3) increase in lifetime PM(2.5) was 1.14, 0.88-1.46 for RSV bronchiolitis hospitalization. This risk was also elevated for infants who resided within 150 m of a highway (OR(adj) 1.17, 0.95-1.44). This study supports a developing hypothesis that there may be a modest increased risk of bronchiolitis attributable to chronic traffic-derived particulate matter exposure particularly for infants born just before or during peak RSV season. Future studies are needed that can investigate threshold effects and capture larger variability in spatial contrasts among populations of infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Karr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
392
|
Woodruff TJ, Parker JD, Darrow LA, Slama R, Bell ML, Choi H, Glinianaia S, Hoggatt KJ, Karr CJ, Lobdell DT, Wilhelm M. Methodological issues in studies of air pollution and reproductive health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2009; 109:311-20. [PMID: 19215915 PMCID: PMC6615486 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2008.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 12/12/2008] [Accepted: 12/22/2008] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade there have been an increasing number of scientific studies describing possible effects of air pollution on perinatal health. These papers have mostly focused on commonly monitored air pollutants, primarily ozone (O(3)), particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), and various indices of perinatal health, including fetal growth, pregnancy duration, and infant mortality. While most published studies have found some marker of air pollution related to some types of perinatal outcomes, variability exists in the nature of the pollutants and outcomes associated. Synthesis of the findings has been difficult for various reasons, including differences in study design and analysis. A workshop was held in September 2007 to discuss methodological differences in the published studies as a basis for understanding differences in study findings and to identify priorities for future research, including novel approaches for existing data. Four broad topic areas were considered: confounding and effect modification, spatial and temporal exposure variations, vulnerable windows of exposure, and multiple pollutants. Here we present a synopsis of the methodological issues and challenges in each area and make recommendations for future study. Two key recommendations include: (1) parallel analyses of existing data sets using a standardized methodological approach to disentangle true differences in associations from methodological differences among studies; and (2) identification of animal studies to inform important mechanistic research gaps. This work is of critical public health importance because of widespread exposure and because perinatal outcomes are important markers of future child and adult health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
393
|
Zou B, Wilson JG, Zhan FB, Zeng Y. Air pollution exposure assessment methods utilized in epidemiological studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 11:475-90. [PMID: 19280026 DOI: 10.1039/b813889c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of personal exposure to air pollution is a critical component of epidemiological studies associating air pollution and health effects. This paper critically reviewed 157 studies over 29 years that utilized one of five categories of exposure methods (proximity, air dispersion, hybrid, human inhalation, and biomarkers). Proximity models were found to be a questionable technique as they assume that closer proximity equates to greater exposure. Inhalation models and biomarker estimates were the most effective in assessing personal exposure, but are often cost prohibitive for large study populations. This review suggests that: (i) factors such as uncertainty, validity, data availability, and transferability related to exposure assessment methods should be considered when selecting a model; and (ii) although an entirely discreet new class of approach is not necessary, significant progress could be made through the development of a 'hybrid' model utilizing the strengths of several existing methods. Future work should systematically evaluate the performance of hybrid models compared to other individual exposure assessment methods utilizing geospatial information technologies (e.g. geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS)) to more robustly refine estimates of ambient exposure and quantify the linkages and differences between outdoor, indoor and personal exposure estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zou
- Central South University, School of Info-Physics and Geomatics Engineering, Changsha, Hunan 410086, China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
394
|
Bell ML, Ebisu K, Belanger K. The relationship between air pollution and low birth weight: effects by mother's age, infant sex, co-pollutants, and pre-term births. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS : ERL [WEB SITE] 2008; 3:44003. [PMID: 23930137 PMCID: PMC3735236 DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/3/4/044003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Previously we identified associations between the mother's air pollution exposure and birth weight for births in Connecticut and Massachusetts from 1999-2002. Other studies also found effects, though results are inconsistent. We explored potential uncertainties in earlier work and further explored associations between air pollution and birth weight for PM10, PM2.5, CO, NO2, and SO2. Specifically we investigated: (1) whether infants of younger (≤24 years) and older (≥40 years) mothers are particularly susceptible to air pollution's effects on birth weight; (2) whether the relationship between air pollution and birth weight differed by infant sex; (3) confounding by co-pollutants and differences in pollutants' measurement frequencies; and (4) whether observed associations were influenced by inclusion of pre-term births. Findings did not indicate higher susceptibility to the relationship between air pollution and birth weight based on the mother's age or the infant's sex. Results were robust to exclusion of pre-term infants and co-pollutant adjustment, although sample size decreased for some pollutant pairs. These findings provide additional evidence for the relationship between air pollution and birth weight, and do not identify susceptible sub-populations based on infant sex or mother's age. We conclude with discussion of key challenges in research on air pollution and pregnancy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Bell
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 205 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed
| | - Keita Ebisu
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 205 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Kathleen Belanger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, Yale University, One Church Street, 6th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| |
Collapse
|
395
|
Ciencewicki J, Trivedi S, Kleeberger SR. Oxidants and the pathogenesis of lung diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 122:456-68; quiz 469-70. [PMID: 18774381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Revised: 08/05/2008] [Accepted: 08/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The increasing number of population-based and epidemiologic associations between oxidant pollutant exposures and cardiopulmonary disease exacerbation, decrements in pulmonary function, and mortality underscores the important detrimental effects of oxidants on public health. Because inhaled oxidants initiate a number of pathologic processes, including inflammation of the airways, which may contribute to the pathogenesis and/or exacerbation of airways disease, it is critical to understand the mechanisms through which exogenous and endogenous oxidants interact with molecules in the cells, tissues, and epithelial lining fluid of the lung. Furthermore, it is clear that interindividual variation in response to a given exposure also exists across an individual lifetime. Because of the potential impact that oxidant exposures may have on reproductive outcomes and infant, child, and adult health, identification of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may influence susceptibility to oxidants remains an important issue. In this review, we discuss mechanisms of oxidant stress in the lung, the role of oxidants in lung disease pathogenesis and exacerbation (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome), and the potential risk factors (eg, age, genetics) for enhanced susceptibility to oxidant-induced disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ciencewicki
- Laboratory of Respiratory Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
396
|
Slama R, Darrow L, Parker J, Woodruff TJ, Strickland M, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Glinianaia S, Hoggatt KJ, Kannan S, Hurley F, Kalinka J, Srám R, Brauer M, Wilhelm M, Heinrich J, Ritz B. Meeting report: atmospheric pollution and human reproduction. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:791-8. [PMID: 18560536 PMCID: PMC2430236 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2007] [Accepted: 03/13/2008] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing body of epidemiologic literature reporting associations between atmospheric pollutants and reproductive outcomes, particularly birth weight and gestational duration. OBJECTIVES The objectives of our international workshop were to discuss the current evidence, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of published epidemiologic studies, and to suggest future directions for research. DISCUSSION Participants identified promising exposure assessment tools, including exposure models with fine spatial and temporal resolution that take into account time-activity patterns. More knowledge on factors correlated with exposure to air pollution, such as other environmental pollutants with similar temporal variations, and assessment of nutritional factors possibly influencing birth outcomes would help evaluate importance of residual confounding. Participants proposed a list of points to report in future publications on this topic to facilitate research syntheses. Nested case-control studies analyzed using two-phase statistical techniques and development of cohorts with extensive information on pregnancy behaviors and biological samples are promising study designs. Issues related to the identification of critical exposure windows and potential biological mechanisms through which air pollutants may lead to intrauterine growth restriction and premature birth were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS To make progress, this research field needs input from toxicology, exposure assessment, and clinical research, especially to aid in the identification and exposure assessment of feto-toxic agents in ambient air, in the development of early markers of adverse reproductive outcomes, and of relevant biological pathways. In particular, additional research using animal models would help better delineate the biological mechanisms underpinning the associations reported in human studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Slama
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
397
|
Nethery E, Teschke K, Brauer M. Predicting personal exposure of pregnant women to traffic-related air pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 395:11-22. [PMID: 18334266 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2007] [Revised: 12/18/2007] [Accepted: 01/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
As epidemiological studies report associations between ambient air pollution and adverse birth outcomes, it is important to understand determinants of exposures among pregnant women. We measured (48-h, personal exposure) and modeled (using outdoor ambient monitors and a traffic-based land-use regression model) NO, NO(2), fine particle mass and absorbance in 62 non-smoking pregnant women in Vancouver, Canada on 1-3 occasions during pregnancy (total N=127). We developed predictive models for personal measurements using modeled ambient concentrations and individual determinants of exposure. Geometric mean exposures of personal samples were relatively low (GM (GSD) NO=37 ppb (2.0); NO(2)=17 ppb (1.6); 'soot', as filter absorbance=0.8 10(-5) m(-1) (1.5); PM(2.2)=10 microg m(-3) (1.6)). Having a gas stove (vs. electric stove) in the home was associated with exposure increases of 89% (NO), 44% (NO(2)), 20% (absorbance) and 35% (fine PM). Interpolated concentrations from outdoor fixed-site monitors were associated with all personal exposures except NO(2). Land-use regression model estimates of outdoor air pollution were associated with personal NO and NO(2) only. The effects of outdoor air pollution on personal samples were consistent, with and without adjustment for other individual determinants (e.g. gas stove). These findings improve our understanding of sources of exposure to air pollutants among pregnant women and support the use of outdoor concentration estimates as proxies for exposure in epidemiologic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Nethery
- School of Environmental Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|