Socioeconomic position and low birth weight among mothers exposed to traffic-related air pollution.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atmospheric pollution is a major public health concern. It can affect placental function and restricts fetal growth. However, scientific knowledge remains too limited to make inferences regarding causal associations between maternal exposure to air pollution and adverse effects on pregnancy. This study evaluated the association between low birth weight (LBW) and maternal exposure during pregnancy to traffic related air pollutants (TRAP) in São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods and findings

Analysis included 5,772 cases of term-LBW (<2,500 g) and 5,814 controls matched by sex and month of birth selected from the birth registration system. Mothers' addresses were geocoded to estimate exposure according to 3 indicators: distance from home to heavy traffic roads, distance-weight

SUBMITTER: Habermann M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4245223 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature