Work

Prenatal air pollution exposure and the risk of transient tachypnea of the newborn

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective Although prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution is known to compromise neonatal health, its specific impact on transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), a prevalent cause of neonatal respiratory distress, has rarely been investigated on a population-based scale. This study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal exposure to certain air pollutants during pregnancy and the risk of TTN, as well as regional variations from a nationwide perspective. Methods We conducted a nationwide, nested case-cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database linked to the Maternal and Child Health Database (2004–2020). Newborns of primiparous mothers diagnosed with TTN ( n = 3,091) were matched with healthy controls ( n = 12,364) at a 1:4 ratio based on maternal age, neonatal sex, and birth date. Individual prenatal exposure across the 40 weeks preceding birth was estimated by mapping maternal residential postal codes to the nearest of 71 active air monitoring stations. Multiple logistic regression models were adjusted for comprehensive perinatal and clinical confounders. Results Multivariate analysis demonstrated that elevated prenatal exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) was strongly associated with an increased risk of TTN (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.806, 95% CI: 1.312–2.487; p < 0.001). Significant risk elevations were also identified for nitrogen oxides (NOx) (aOR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.005–1.015; p < 0.001) and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) (aOR: 1.001, 95% CI: 1.000–1.002; p = 0.023). Geographically stratified analysis revealed that these risks were highly pronounced in the traffic-dominated, urban basin of northern Taiwan (Taipei and New Taipei City). Conclusion This study demonstrated that prenatal exposure to specific air pollutants, including CO, NOx, and PM 2.5 is associated with an increased risk of TTN. Furthermore, our regional analysis suggests that traffic-related emissions may exert the greatest impact.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2026.1941575

Authors: Fang-Ju Lin, Ching-Heng Lin, Yi-Hsuan Lin, Ming-Chih Lin

Institutions: Taichung Veterans General Hospital, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, University College London, National Chung Hsing University, Chung Shan Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801