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Early life exposure to particulate matter and childhood asthma in Beijing, China: a case-control study

Meimei Xu1, Mingjun Shao2, Yuzhi Chen2

  • 1Institute of Medical Information, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.

International Journal of Environmental Health Research
|December 6, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) during pregnancy is linked to childhood asthma. The second trimester showed the strongest association, particularly for children with a family history of atopy.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Epidemiology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Childhood asthma is a significant public health concern.
  • Air pollution, specifically particulate matter, is a suspected environmental risk factor.
  • Understanding critical exposure windows during pregnancy is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal and postnatal exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and childhood asthma.
  • To identify specific trimesters of pregnancy with heightened risk.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted in Beijing, China.
  • Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the data.
  • Exposure assessments included the entire pregnancy, specific trimesters, and the first year post-birth.

Main Results:

  • Childhood asthma risk was significantly associated with PM2.5 and PM10 exposure during the entire pregnancy (ORs 1.28 and 1.21, respectively).
  • The second trimester showed the highest risk association for both PM2.5 and PM10 (ORs 1.17 and 1.14 per 10 μg/m³ increase).
  • Significant positive effects were observed in children with a family history of atopy.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, especially during the second trimester, increases the risk of childhood asthma in highly polluted areas.
  • These findings underscore the importance of reducing air pollution exposure during pregnancy to mitigate childhood asthma development.

Keywords:
Particulate matterasthmachildrenearly lifeintroduction

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