Surface mining and low birth weight in central appalachia.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Surface coal mining, including mountaintop removal, is prevalent in Central Appalachia.
• Concerns exist regarding the health impacts of surface mining on local populations.
• This study investigates the association between surface mining and adverse birth outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between surface mining in Central Appalachia and low birth weight.
• To examine other adverse birth outcomes associated with surface mining activities.

Main Methods:

• A control group design with pretest (1977-1989) and posttest (1990-2017) periods was employed.
• Logistic regression models analyzed the association between surface mining and low birth weight (<2500g).
• Data included 783,328 births in mining and matched control counties, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant increase in low birth weight was observed for the 1999-2011 period.
• A statistically significant relative increase in low birth weight was found for the 2012-2017 period (OR: 1.28).
• Similar trends were observed for very low birth weight, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age.

Conclusions:

• Surface mining in Central Appalachia showed an association with low birth weight in the 2012-2017 period.
• The association may have a delayed onset, potentially emerging in the early to mid-2000s.
• Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and identify mechanisms for mitigation.