A new study from the University at Buffalo has identified a correlation between exposure to air pollution in late pregnancy and the risk of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions.
The team used 2018 NICU admission data, along with satellite and modelled air pollution levels for the month before birth to check for a link between exposure to nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 in late-pregnancy and an increased risk of health complications after birth.
They found that higher ambient levels of NO2 increased the likelihood of NICU admission by between 30% and 35%.
Similarly, higher levels of PM2.5 increased that likelihood by between 11% and 22%
The study’s first author, Yohane V.A. Phiri, from the University’s Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health said: ‘Our findings highlight the critical impact of air pollution during the final weeks of pregnancy, a time of heightened fetal vulnerability, and emphasize the significance of addressing air pollution exposure, even at lower levels.
‘While our findings are not causal, limiting direct inference, they support local and national initiatives aimed at further reducing air pollution and improving air quality. Such efforts could ultimately benefit pregnant women by minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants and reducing associated neonatal health risks.’
In 2018 – the year studied – 8.1% of infants were admitted to intensive care units
The chances of NO2 exposure leading to NICU admission was found to be consistent throughout the year but geographically, the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions experience the highest odds for NICU admission.
For PM2.5, risks were generally the same across the country in the summer but in the winter months risks were seen to increase more in the Northeast.
NICU admissions were more common when the mother was under 20 or over 35 years. Similarly, black infants were more likely to be admitted.
The full study can be read here.