Fine Particulate Matter, Its Constituents, and Spontaneous Preterm Birth.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Reproductive Epidemiology
• Air Quality Science

Background:

• Associations between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) require further investigation.
• Identifying at-risk subpopulations based on socioeconomic status and environmental factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents with sPTB.
• To explore how socioeconomic status and environmental factors modify these associations.

Main Methods:

• A population-based retrospective cohort study of 409,037 births from 2008-2018.
• PM2.5 and constituent exposures were assessed, alongside green space, wildfire smoke, and temperature.
• Discrete-time survival models analyzed associations and effect modification by demographic and environmental factors.

Main Results:

• PM2.5, black carbon, nitrate, and sulfate exposures were associated with increased odds of sPTB.
• The second trimester showed heightened susceptibility to PM2.5.
• Increased risk was observed among individuals with lower educational attainment, income, and higher exposures to wildfire smoke and extreme heat.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents is linked to higher odds of sPTB.
• Socioeconomic status and environmental exposures significantly modify the association between PM2.5 and sPTB.