Abstract
Santos is a seaboard Brazilian city recognized by its port activity where the road and rail infrastructure along with the large transportation operation, displays an important factor to contribute with all kinds of toxic and air pollutants. Recent studies have suggested associations between air pollution and various birth outcomes. Pollutant gases such as NOx, O3 and particulate matter PM2,5, PM10 have been cited as factors involved in such outcomes. The present study aims to assess the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and perinatal outcomes in the city of Santos from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2015. Cross-sectional study that analyzed 10.319 singleton births in an area set with 2 km radius of the monitoring stations. Birth weight and information on mother and pregnancy were obtained at the Brazilian “Born Alive National Information System”. Daily records of air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3), temperature and relative air humidity, for the study period, were obtained from São Paulo State Environmental Agency (CETESB). Associations between preterm birth and air pollutants mean levels at each gestational trimester were investigated using multiple logistic regression model controlled by the variables: infant sex, type of delivery, maternal education. prenatal care, and number of previous live births, temperature and relative air humidity. NO2 e PM2,5 was not associated with preterm birth. O3 was significantly associated in the first trimester in the fourth quartile (OR = 1,47 CI 95% 1,05; 2,07). PM10 was significantly associated in the first trimester for the fourth quartile (OR = 1,28 CI 95% 1,00; 1,64), second trimester for the second quartile (OR = 1,37 CI 95% 1,07; 1,77).
Conclusions
the results shows evidence that maternal exposure to air pollution especially during the first trimester of pregnancy may contribute to preterm birth. Further actions are needed towards controlling air pollution are strongly recommended for promoting early-life health.
Key messages
This is the first research of this kind that was made in Santos. It brings important evidence of the impact in the life of the population, especially those whose is not even born yet. It can be used as a resource to guide public policies in health, especially the guidelines that dictate the concentration of air pollutants and air quality.
Relationship between preterm birth and air pollution in Santos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
