[Air pollution and adverse birth outcome in China: a comprehensive review]

Objective: To summarize the progress in the research of the association between air pollution and adverse birth outcomes in China. Methods: A literature retrieval was conducted by using the databases of CNKI, Wanfang, Pubmed, Science Direct, and Web of Science to select relevant research papers published before 30(th), June 2016 in China according to inclusion criteria. Finally, 27 papers were included in analysis. Results: Exposure to particulate matter (PM(10)), sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), total suspended particles (TSP) during pregnancy might increase risk for low birth weight; exposure to PM(10), SO(2), NO(2) during pregnancy might increase risk for premature birth; and exposure to SO(2), NO(2), ozone (O(3)), and PM(10) during pregnancy might increase risk for congenital heart diseases and other birth defects. Conclusion: Exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy might increase the risk for adverse birth outcomes, and further studies are needed to prove the association.