Estimating birthweight reduction attributable to maternal ozone exposure in low- and middle-income countries

TL;DR: Stillbirths linked to particle pollution are disproportionately attributed to sand dust in 52 low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need to address dust PM exposure in maternal health policies and interventions globally.

Abstract: Abstract Background The Vital Capacity Weight Index (VCWI) serves as a pivotal indicator of cardiopulmonary function among children and adolescents, reflecting their tissue oxygenation capacity and athletic potential. This study delves into the influence of environmental greenness and physical activity on VCWI in children residing in China’s economically prosperous provinces, who are exposed to air pollutants, namely PM 2.5 and O 3 . Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students’ Constitution and Health (CNSSCH), involving 62,987 students from the top eight provinces by GDP. Exposure to PM 2.5 and O 3 was estimated using data from the Tracking Air Pollution in China (TAP) platform. Greenness surrounding schools was assessed based on the China Land Cover Dataset (CLCD). Daily physical activity duration was used to classify participants into moderate or vigorous activity groups. Associations with VCWI were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Interaction effects between air pollution and greenness or physical activity were assessed using additive models. Results Higher concentrations of PM 2.5 and O 3 were significantly associated with lower VCWI. In contrast, greater greenness coverage and engagement in vigorous physical activity were linked to better VCWI outcomes. Interaction analysis showed that increased greenness may enhance the protective effect of lower air pollution levels on VCWI, while the interaction between physical activity and air pollution was not statistically significant. Conclusions These findings highlight the potential of green environments and active lifestyles in buffering the negative respiratory effects of air pollution among children. The results provide evidence to inform integrated urban planning and public health initiatives aimed at improving children’s lung health.

TL;DR: Continuation of the current decline in neonatal mortality and reduction of the mortality differentials between high- and low-risk groups require the identification and more effective implementation of strategies for the prevention of low-weight births.

TL;DR: In the entire Medicare population, there was significant evidence of adverse effects related to exposure to PM2.5 and ozone at concentrations below current national standards.

TL;DR: The goal of reducing low birthweight incidence by at least one third between 2000 and 2010 is one of the major goals in ‘A World Fit for Children’ the Declaration and Plan of Action adopted at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children in 2002.

TL;DR: Differentiation of the burden and risk of babies born preterm and SGA rather than with low birthweight could guide prevention and management strategies to speed progress towards Millennium Development Goal 4--the reduction of child mortality.