California babies and CO & NO2 concentrations… Are other factors considered?
Traffic air pollution in Southern Cali and the effects on the health of babies.
There have been various studies to the correlation of birth rates and pollution in California. This is due to their demographic based birth-defect registry, and their exceedingly accurate air pollution network.
Many studies have shown that traffic (the largest air polluter in California) leaves behind large amounts of nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. This is no surprise to many Americans, since southern California (specifically the Los Angeles region) is considered to be one of the worst cities to drive through in the United States.
- The green and blue highlighted areas on this map are the CO2 monitoring stations throughout the Southern California region.
The study of babies is measured through the birth and death registry, a great resource to pull from. Babies and children are control groups that are the most studied in cases like these, because of their vulnerability to their vastly growing organs.
Pulling data from both sources, studies show that post neonatal babies have a higher likelihood of mortality if the mother was in closer range to exposure of higher polluted areas. Data from the California Department of Health Services were also able to compare the atmospheric effects on babies, and their preterm birth rates. The results indicated that CO concentrations greatly increase the risk of preterm birth.
The problem I have with these studies is the correlation between urban areas, and socioeconomic status. Those who are exposed to higher amounts of pollution may live in areas that lack resources that benefit the health of mothers.
Are other factors considered in this process? Or do we just draw the scientific data from chemically exposed areas.
References:
- Beate Ritz, Fei Yu, Scott Fruin, Guadalupe Chapa, Gary M. Shaw, John A. Harris; Ambient Air Pollution and Risk of Birth Defects in Southern California, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 155, Issue 1, 1 January 2002, Pages 17–25, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/155.1.17
- Wilhelm, Michelle, and Beate Ritz. “Local Variations in CO and Particulate Air Pollution and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Los Angeles County, California, USA.” Environmental Health Perspectives 113.9 (2005): 1212–1221. PMC. Web. 7 Nov. 2017.
- Šrám, Radim J. et al. “Ambient Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Review of the Literature.” Environmental Health Perspectives 113.4 (2005): 375–382. PMC. Web. 7 Nov. 2017.
- “Gene-Environment Interaction.” Division of Genetic Disease Screening, www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DGDS/Pages/cbdmp/geneenvironmentinteraction.aspx.
- “Birth Defects.” Center for Better Beginnings, UC San Diego Health, betterbeginnings.org/what-we-do/research/birth-defects/.
