Evidence of the correlation between air pollution and different types of birth defects: based on a distribution-lag...

As global fertility rates decline, exploring the root causes of birth defects (BDs) becomes urgent. Air pollution, with its ability to penetrate the placental barrier as exogenous toxins, has garnered notable attention in this regard.

BD data was collected from five hospitals in Changzhi City birth from 2019 to 2021, air quality data originated from hourly observations at five monitoring stations within the city. Using the distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM), the study aimed to determine the non-linear exposure-lag-effect relationship, evaluating the delayed impact of weekly air pollution on fetal BD risk. During the period under study, the prevalence of BDs was 19.95‰.

Our findings indicate that exposure to air pollutants during early and mid-pregnancy elevated the risk of BDs. Specifically, for each 10 μg/m³ increase of SO₂, NO₂, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, O₃, and CO, the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) increased. Peaking at specific gestational weeks: SO₂ at week 17, NO₂ at week 23, PM₁₀ at week 21, PM_2.5 at week 16, O₃ at week 8, and CO at week 40. Additionally, a rise of 10 μg/m³ in PM₁₀ during weeks 4-10 of gestation significantly elevated the risk of polydactyly, peaking at week 6. Increases in PM2.5 and CO were associated with an elevated risk of external ear malformations, peaking at week 18 and week 19, respectively. Furthermore, higher concentrations of NO_X and NO increased the risk of syndactyly, peaking at week 0 for both pollutants. Finally, increments of 10 μg/m³ in NO₂, NO_X, NO, and PM₁₀ were all significantly associated with an increased risk of cleft lip and/or palate, peaking at week 3 for NO₂, NO_X, NO, and PM₁₀. Exposure to air pollutants elevates BD risk, with critical periods during the first and second trimesters. The association between different pollutants and the classification of BDs also varies.

Exposure to pollutants during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects in newborns, especially SO₂, PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and O₃. In light of these findings, we recommend that, while overall regional air quality improvements remain essential, specific targeted measures should be implemented for pregnant women, who represent a particularly vulnerable population. These targeted recommendations not only aim to reduce exposure risks for pregnant women and their fetuses but also offer practical insights for public health policy and interventions.