US EPA

3224051 

Journal Article 

Air Pollution and the Risk of Birth Defects in Anqing City, China 

Yao, C; Chen, Y; Zhu, X; Liu, Y; Zhang, J; Hou, L; Xu, Y; Zhang, C; Cao, J 

2016 

Yes 

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
ISSN: 1076-2752
EISSN: 1536-5948 

58 

4 

e124-e127 

English 

27058489 

10.1097/JOM.0000000000000676 

WOS:000374891600003 

https://journals.lww.com/00043764-201604000-00020
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore evidence for the influence of air pollution on the risk of birth defects in China and contribute to establish prevention strategies.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Anqing city, Eastern China, from 2010 to 2012. Binary logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) per 10 μg/m3 change for SO2, NO2, and PM10.

RESULTS: For continuous exposure to SO2 (10 μg/m increase), the adjusted OR for birth defects is 1.20 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.09 to 1.29] in the preconception. A 10 μg/m increase in SO2 (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.36) during the second trimester is strongly associated with birth defects. No associations have been observed for NO2 and PM10.

CONCLUSION: The results suggested that exposure to ambient SO2 during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects.