[Congenital developmental defects in children and environmental pollution]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Human Genetics
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Assessing the impact of environmental factors on newborn health is crucial for public health initiatives.
• Genetic monitoring provides insights into the relationship between environmental exposures and congenital abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence and structure of congenital developmental abnormalities in newborns.
• To investigate the correlation between environmental pollution and radiation levels and these abnormalities.
• To identify high-risk areas for targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of genetic monitoring data over three years in a southern Ukrainian region.
• Distinguishing areas based on atmospheric air pollution and external radiation dose.
• Evaluating the content of various pollutants in air, food, soil, water, and feeds.

Main Results:

• Congenital abnormalities, particularly those with a significant mutation component, were more prevalent in ecologically unsafe areas.
• Environmental pollution, including atmospheric contaminants and radiation, was linked to increased incidence of birth defects.
• Specific pollutants identified included dust, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, hydrogen sulfide, formaldehyde, phenol, and fluorine compounds.

Conclusions:

• Ecologically unsafe environments are associated with a higher prevalence of congenital developmental abnormalities.
• Reducing exogenous risk factors is essential for preventing birth defects.
• The findings support the development of regional programs for environmental improvement and health protection.