Disparities in adverse birth outcomes attributable to elevated ambient air pollution in the U.S.
Year: 2022
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIM: Preterm birth and low birth weight are global health challenges that increase a child’s lifelong risk for chronic disease. These adverse birth outcomes (ABO) are associated with ambient air pollution with differential risks across socioeconomic groups, yet are not presently accounted for in environmental policy assessments. This study estimates annual counts of ABO associated with PM₂.₅ exceeding American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommended standards and investigates relevant disparities by race and income. METHODS: Pollution increments of annual PM₂.₅ were calculated for all monitored U.S. counties by comparing 2018-2020 EPA design values to counterfactuals meeting ATS recommended levels (8 µg/m³ for annual and 25 µg/m³ for 24-hour PM₂.₅). Increments were coupled with current concentration-response functions and CDC baseline incidence data to determine county-level annual numbers of ABO associated with PM₂.₅ above counterfactual levels. Sub-group analyses by mother’s race and source of delivery payment were conducted to determine exposure differentials. RESULTS: Across monitored U.S. counties, approximately 7,300 (95% CI: 3,700–11,500) preterm and 5,200 (95% CI: 3,300–7,500) low weight births are associated with PM₂.₅ levels above ATS recommendations. PM₂.₅-related ABO rates were higher among Black vs. White mothers, driven by higher baseline incidence rates experienced by Black mothers. PM₂.₅-related ABO rates were higher among Medicaid vs. non-Medicaid payees, a result of both higher PM₂.₅ increments and higher baseline incidence among Medicaid payees. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 12,500 annual U.S. ABO can be linked to PM₂.₅ above ATS recommended levels, with trends towards greater air pollution-related ABO for both Black mothers and Medicaid recipients. The magnitude of this effect, combined with lifelong health impacts attributable to these birth outcomes, provides a compelling argument that ABO should be factored into future environmental policy assessments. KEYWORDS: birth outcomes; environmental justice; health impact assessment; particulate matter.
Source: ISEE Conference Abstracts
Authors: Laura Gladson, Julia Gohlke, Kevin Cromar
Institutions: New York University, Environmental Defense Fund
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4317181872