Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter and birth weight: variations by particulate constituents and sources.

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

SUBMITTER: Bell ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3055585 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature