Air pollution and birth-related characteristics

Abstract

There is great amount of evidence indicating the detrimental effect of air pollution on several health aspects. However, the associations between air pollutants and birth rates and/or other birth related characteristics have been poorly explored. Aim of the present work was to investigate these associations in Greece during the period 2004-2013, using data from the records of the Hellenic Statistical Authority and the Ministry of Environment. Air pollution was evaluated through the mean annual atmospheric concentrations of CO, NO, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2 and Benzene of 9 Greek cities (Athens center, East Athens, West Athens, Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Patra, Larissa, Volos, Livadia), whereas the birth related characteristics by the reported birth weight and sex, rates of premature babies and stillbirths. No correlation was found between the concentrations of air pollutants and birth related characteristics in the total sample. However, the by-city analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between CO concentration and birth weight and rates of full term births (r=0.85-0.93) in Athens, but not in other cities. Similar, though weaker, associations were found with NO. Negative correlations were found between O3 and SO2 concentrations and birth weight and rates of full term births in all cities (0.6-0.9); negative correlations between the characteristics mentioned above and PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations only in Athens area. No significant results were observed for any air pollutant and stillbirths. These preliminary results indicate that several air pollutants have an effect on birth-related characteristics. More studies are needed on this area, including the elucidation of potential mechanisms.