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Infant mortality and air pollution: modifying effect by social class
Isabelle Romieu1, Matiana Ramírez-Aguilar, Hortensia Moreno-Macias
1Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av Universidad 655, Col. Santa. Ma., Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca Morelos 65708, Mexico. iromieu@correo.insp.mx
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|December 14, 2004
Summary
Air pollution, specifically PM10, did not significantly increase overall infant mortality. However, lower socioeconomic status (SES) combined with PM10 exposure was linked to higher respiratory-related infant deaths.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Mortality
- Air Quality Research
Background:
- Existing studies indicate a link between air pollution and increased mortality, but data on infants remains limited.
- Infant mortality rates are a key indicator of public health and environmental quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM10) and infant mortality.
- To assess the impact of poor living conditions, defined by socioeconomic status (SES), on this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A case-crossover study design was employed, analyzing infant deaths (1 month to 1 year) in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (1997-2001).
- Ambient PM10 levels and ozone concentrations were correlated with mortality data, considering lag effects.
- Socioeconomic status (SES) was determined by the deceased's residential location.
Main Results:
- Overall, ambient air pollutants did not show a significant effect on infant mortality.
- Infants from lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds faced an increased risk.
- A 20 microg/m3 increase in PM10 was associated with elevated respiratory-related infant mortality, particularly in lower SES groups.
Conclusions:
- Worsening living conditions, associated with lower SES, were found to exacerbate mortality risks.
- The study highlights the compounded risk of air pollution and socioeconomic disadvantage on infant health.