Air Pollution Impacts on Pregnancy Occurrence and Outcome

Abstract

Negative pregnancy occurrence and outcome (such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age) are associated with air pollution (among others, exposure to ozone and vehicle exhausts). A large number of studies and reviews have investigated the possible adverse effects of ambient air pollution on birth outcomes; the study of birth outcomes is an emerging field in environmental epidemiology. Birth outcomes are important because they influence health status in later life, including increased mortality and morbidity. This raises questions of intergenerational justice/equity. Better characterization of the risks for pregnancy outcomes from air pollution is needed to inform efforts to reduce exposure. What level of air pollution has a negative impact on pregnancy occurrence and outcome? Is the evidence sufficient to infer a causal relationship between ambient air pollution and negative pregnancy outcome? Do effects differ by the gender of the new-born/fetus? The ethical principles of intergenerational justice/equity and of doing no harm underscore the role of environmental epidemiologists in research on air pollutions impacts on pregnancy occurrence and outcome. The ethical dimensions of studies will be reviewed to engage the audience and facilitate discussion.