Exposures to Particulate Matter from the Eruptions of the Puyehue Volcano and Birth Outcomes in Montevideo, Uruguay

Abstract

Background:The ashes and dust resulting from the 2011 eruptions of the Puyehue volcano in Chile more than doubled monthly averages of PM10 concentrations in Montevideo, Uruguay. Few studies have taken advantage of natural experiments to assess the relationship between ambient air pollutant concentrations and birth outcomes.Objectives:In this study we explored the effect of particulate matter with diameter of ≤ 10 μm (PM10) on perinatal outcomes in Uruguay, a middle-income country in South America with levels of PM10 that in general do not exceed the recommended thresholds. The analyzed outcomes are preterm birth, term birth weight, and term low birth weight.Methods:We took advantage of the sharp variation in PM10 concentrations due to the Puyehue eruptions to estimate the associations between mother’s exposure to PM10 in each trimester of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. We use birth registries for 2010–2013 and control for covariates, including maternal and pregnancy characteristics, weather, co-pollutants, and calendar quarter and hospital indicators.Results:A 10-μg/m3 increase in exposure to PM10 during the third trimester was associated with a higher likelihood of a preterm birth [odds ratio (OR) = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.19]. The association was robust to different model specifications, and increased with categorical exposure levels (OR for third-trimester PM10 ≥ 70 vs. < 30 μg/m3 = 5.24; 95% CI: 3.40, 8.08). Exposures were not consistently associated with birth weight or low birth weight among term births, though second-trimester exposures were associated with higher birth weight, contrary to expectations.Conclusions:Taking advantage of a natural experiment, we found evidence that exposure to high levels of PM10 during the third trimester of pregnancy may have increased preterm births among women in Montevideo, Uruguay.Citation:Balsa AI, Caffera M, Bloomfield J. 2016. Exposures to particulate matter from the eruptions of the Puyehue Volcano and birth outcomes in Montevideo, Uruguay. Environ Health Perspect 124:1816–1822; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP235

Retirements of Coal and Oil Power Plants in California: Association With Reduced Preterm Birth Among Populations Nearby

“…That is, their retirement provides exogenous variation in exposure that we can exploit to assess associations with health (27,28). Researchers have used other natural experiments to evaluate the association of extreme weather (29), earthquakes (30), and air pollution (7,(31)(32)(33)(34)(35) with birth outcomes. Few studies have used these designs, however, to explore the potential benefits of reduced air pollution for preterm birth (31,(33)(34)(35).…”

“…Researchers have used other natural experiments to evaluate the association of extreme weather (29), earthquakes (30), and air pollution (7,(31)(32)(33)(34)(35) with birth outcomes. Few studies have used these designs, however, to explore the potential benefits of reduced air pollution for preterm birth (31,(33)(34)(35). We analyzed data in California during 2001-2011, when 8 coal and oil power plants retired, to assess the association between power plant retirements and preterm birth while considering the modifying roles of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status.…”

Pengukuran Paparan Particulate Matter Satu (Pm1) Dan CO2 serta Keluhan Kesehatan pada Masyarakat Pasca Erupsi Gunung Sinabung

“…Studi ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan paparan PM1dan CO2 dengan keluhan kesehatan mata seperti mata merah, berair dan gatal karena iritasi, pernapasan seperti batuk, sesak dan tenggorokan kering serta kulit seperti kulit merah, gatal dan kering (p-value=0,00) pasca erupsi gunung Sinabung di Kabupaten Karo. Penelitian ini sejalan dengan penelitian yang dilakukan di Uruguay tentang paparan partikel debu pasca erupsi vulcanik gunung Puyehue menemukan bahwa setiap peningkatan 10mg/m 3 paparan PM10 abu vulkanik selama trimester ketiga pada ibu hamil yang tinggal di sekitar gunung dikaitkan kemungkinan yang lebih tinggi kelahiran premature (18). Studi ini juga sejalan dengan hasil penelitian oleh Longo tahun 2009 menemukan bahwa terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara paparan abu vulkanik dengan batuk, kerongkongan kering, rhinorrhea, tersumbat, mengi, iritasi mata, dan bronkitis yang didiagnosis serta tiga puluh lima persen informan merasa bahwa kesehatan mereka dipengaruhi oleh letusan, terutama pada perokok dan mereka yang menderita penyakit pernapasan kronis (8).…”

Environmental Chemicals and Preterm Birth: Biological Mechanisms and the State of the Science

“…Notably, two studies examined these associations within natural experiments. Balsa and colleagues examined pregnancy outcomes among individuals residing near an active volcano, and observed strong associations with PM 10 levels measured in the third trimester (139). On the other hand, however, a study of elevated air pollution levels occurring during the Beijing Olympic games observed no association between ambient PM 10 concentrations and PTB (140).…”