Outdoor Air Pollution and Pregnancy Loss: a Review of Recent Literature

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes recent literature about the impacts of outdoor air pollution on pregnancy loss (spontaneous abortion/miscarriage and stillbirth), identifies challenges and opportunities, and provides recommendations for actions.Recent FindingsBoth short- and long-term exposures to ubiquitous air pollutants, including fine particulate matter  <  2.5 and <  10 μm, may increase pregnancy loss risk. Windows of susceptibility include the entire gestational period, especially early pregnancy, and the week before event. Vulnerable subpopulations were not consistently explored, but some evidence suggests that pregnant parents from more disadvantaged pop ulations may be more impacted even at the same exposure level.SummaryGiven environmental conditions conductive to high air pollution exposures become more prevalent as the climate shifts, air pollution ’s impacts on pregnancy is expected to become a growing public health concern. While awaiting larger preconception studies to further understand causal impacts, multi-disciplinary efforts to minimize exposures among pregnant women are warranted.
Source: Current Epidemiology Reports - Category: Epidemiology Source Type: research