Air Pollution Levels Outside the Capital's Maternity Hospitals.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Air pollution is a major global environmental health threat.
• Emerging research links air pollution to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Maternal exposure to pollutants may impact fetal development and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels around three Dublin maternity hospitals.
• To compare measured PM2.5 concentrations with World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines.
• To assess the potential risks to pregnant populations in urban environments.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Pollutrack data for PM2.5 measurements from June 25, 2021, to December 2, 2021.
• Focused on air quality in the immediate vicinity of the National Maternity Hospital, Coombe Hospital, and Rotunda Hospital.
• Compared collected data against the 2021 WHO Air Quality Guidelines for PM2.5.

Main Results:

• Average PM2.5 levels were 9μg/m³ (National Maternity Hospital), 10μg/m³ (Coombe Hospital), and 13μg/m³ (Rotunda Hospital).
• PM2.5 concentrations were higher during daytime hours, on weekdays, and in December.
• All measured PM2.5 levels consistently exceeded the WHO's recommended air quality guideline values.

Conclusions:

• Air pollution in Dublin, particularly near maternity facilities, surpasses WHO recommendations.
• Elevated PM2.5 levels present a public health concern, especially for pregnant women.
• Further research is essential to understand the link between Dublin's air pollutants and adverse pregnancy outcomes.