Exposure to chemical components of fine particulate matter and ozone, and placenta-mediated pregnancy complications in Tokyo: a register-based study

Background Maternal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was associated with pregnancy complications. However, we still lack comprehensive evidence regarding which specific chemical components of PM2.5 are more harmful for maternal and foetal health. Objective We focused on exposure over the first trimester (0-13 weeks of gestation), which includes the early placentation period, and investigated whether PM2.5 and its components were associated with placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (combined outcome of small for gestational age, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and stillbirth). Methods From 2013 to 2015, we obtained information, from the Japan Perinatal Registry Network database, on 83,454 women who delivered singleton infants within 23 Tokyo wards (approximate to 627 km(2)). Using daily filter sampling of PM2.5 at one monitoring location, we analysed carbon and ion components, and assigned the first trimester average of the respective pollutant concentrations to each woman. Results The ORs of placenta-mediated pregnancy complications were 1.14 (95% CI = 1.08-1.22) per 0.51 mu g/m(3) (interquartile range) increase of organic carbon and 1.11 (1.03-1.18) per 0.06 mu g/m(3) increase of sodium. Organic carbon was also associated with four individual complications. There was no association between ozone and outcome. Significance There were specific components of PM2.5 that have adverse effects on maternal and foetal health.

Automated summary

The study found that organic carbon and sodium in PM2.5 during pregnancy are associated with placenta-mediated pregnancy complications, with organic carbon also being linked to four specific complications, indicating adverse effects on maternal and fetal health.