Identifying exposure pathways mediating adverse birth outcomes near active surface mines in Central Appalachia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous work has determined an association between proximity to active surface mining within Central Appalachia and an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW). Multiple potential exposure pathways may exist; however, including inhalation of particulate matter (airshed exposure), or exposure to impacted surface waters (watershed exposure). We hypothesize that this relationship is mediated by exposure to contaminants along one or both of these pathways.

Methods

We geolocated 194,084 birth records through health departments in WV, KY, VA, and TN between 1990 and 2015. We performed a mediation analysis, iteratively including within our models: (a) the percent of active surface mining within 5 km of maternal residence during gestation; (b) the

SUBMITTER: Ruktanonchai CW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9187182 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature