The health burden of pollution: the impact of prenatal exposure to air pollutants

Abstract

Exposure to atmospheric pollutants in both open and closed environments is a major cause of morbidity and mortality that may be both controlled and minimized. Despite growing evidence, several controversies and disagreements exist among the studies that have analyzed the effects of prenatal pollutant exposure. This review article aims to analyze primary scientific evidence of the effects of air pollution during pregnancy and the impact of these effects on the fetus, infant health, and in particular, the respiratory system. We performed a review of articles from the PubMed and Web of Science databases that were published in English within the past 5 years, particularly those related to birth cohorts that began in pregnancy with follow-up until the first years of life. The largest reported effects are associated with prenatal exposure to particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and tobacco smoke. The primary effects affect birth weight and other parameters of fetal biometry. There is strong evidence regarding the impact of pollutants on morbidity secondary to respiratory problems. Growing evidence links maternal smoking to childhood asthma and wheezing. The role of passive maternal smoking is less clear. Great heterogeneity exists among studies. There is a need for additional studies on birth cohorts to monitor the relationship between the exposure of pregnant women to pollutants and their children’s progress during the first years of life.

Keywords:

• air pollutants
• pregnancy
• birth weight
• lung disease
• tobacco
• fetal development

Introduction

The environmental changes promoted by humans as a result of changes in lifestyles, customs, and technologies have repercussions for both health and quality of life. Exposure to atmospheric pollutants generated in both open and closed environments is a major cause of morbidity and mortality that may be both controlled and minimized.¹

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 3.7 million premature deaths worldwide were caused by environmental exposure to air pollutants in 2012, 20% were caused by respiratory diseases (14% – obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic respiratory infections and 6% – lung cancer), and approximately 80% were caused by ischemic heart disease and stroke.¹

Among children, more than half of premature deaths secondary to pneumonia appear to result from exposure to particulate matter (PM) inhaled within the home. Indoor pollution, particularly tobacco smoke (TS) and the pollution generated via the combustion of biomass and coal, accounted for approximately 4.3 million of premature deaths during the same year.¹ In addition to its impact on mortality, pollution also impacts the productive life years of the population. Outdoor pollution is responsible for more than 3% of lost productive life years, according to a global study that assessed the impact exerted by risk factors for either death or disability due to illness, and is ranked among the top ten causes of disability and death worldwide in 2010. Exposure to cigarette smoke, including passive smoking, was characterized as the second leading cause of lost productivity in this study.²

More recent studies have analyzed the importance of exposure to air pollutants during intrauterine life and the possible repercussions of the said exposure at birth, during childhood, and during adulthood. Experimental animal studies have demonstrated the specific effects exerted by air pollutants, the findings of which have provided the theoretical basis for research in humans.^3–5

Despite growing evidence, several controversies and disagreements exist among the studies analyzing the effects of prenatal pollutant exposure.⁶ These discordances result from different study designs, exposure measurement methods, exposure times, and population characteristics, as well as other possible biases. The most appropriate study design with which to assess the impact of prenatal exposure is a birth cohort that monitors exposure during pregnancy that also utilizes longitudinal follow-up to analyze the outcomes for the fetuses at birth and following birth. Several cohort studies have been conducted to further elucidate the relationship between prenatal exposure and health outcomes.^6–8

This review article aims to analyze primary scientific evidence of the effects of air pollution during pregnancy and the impact of these effects on the fetus, infant health, and in particular, the respiratory system.

Methods

A review of articles published in English in the last 5 years was conducted using the following. 1) PubMed database, according to the following MeSH terms and search strategies: “air pollution” and “fetal development”; “air pollution” and “prenatal exposure delayed effects”; “air pollution” and “respiratory symptoms and signs” or “respiratory infections” or “asthma” or “wheeze”. The last strategy was restricted to the first year of life. 2) Web of Science Core Collection database, using the same terms as words in the text. We included prospective birth cohort studies that analyzed the relationship between prenatal exposure to at least one air pollutant and perinatal and childhood outcomes, because this study design allows the analysis of a possible causal relationship. Among 386 articles, we identified 27 studies on prospective birth cohorts (14 on fetal development and growth and 13 on respiratory disease), according to the inclusion criteria (Tables 1 and 2).

Table 1 Prospective birth cohort studies on effect of prenatal exposure to air pollutants and fetal/neonatal outcomes

Author, year of publication	Prenatal exposure	Main results
Slama et al,^Citation21 2009	Benzene	Reduced BW and HC
Aguillera et al,^Citation18 2010	BTEX NO2	Reduced BPD
		Reduced growth in HC, AC, BPD, and EFW for those women who spent more time outdoor
Llop et al,^Citation23 2010	NO2	Increased risk for PB
	Benzene	Increased risk for PB
Ballester et al,^Citation19 2010	NO2	Reduced length, weight, and HC at birth
		Positive association with SGA
Newman et al,^Citation61 2010	Active MTS	Positive association with SGA and reduced BW
	Passive MTS	No associations with birth outcomes
Estarlich et al,^Citation16 2011	NO2	Reduced length and weight at birth
	Benzene	No association
Gehring et al,^Citation25 2011	NO2	Highest BW and lowest risk of SGA
		No association with PB
Gehring et al,^Citation15 2011	NO2 and PM2.5	No association between air pollutants and term
		BW
Iñiguez et al,^Citation17 2012	NO2	Reduced BPD, AC, and EFW
		Reduced neonatal length and HC
van den Hooven et al,^Citation14 2012	NO2 and PM2.5	Reduced fetal growth and BW
		Positive association with SGA and PB
Iñiguez et al,^Citation58 2012	MTS
	Active	Reduced BPD, AC, FL, and EFW
	Passive	Reduced growth on BPD
Sunyer et al,^Citation65 2012	MTS
	Active/passive	Reduced BW, increased risk for SGA
		Reduced BW for asthmatic mothers (no statistical significance)
Choi and Perera,^Citation32 2012	PAH	PA – maternal obesity exacerbated the risk of exposure to PAH on reduced BW
Ritz et al,^Citation22 2014	TRAP, NO, NO x, NO2, CO, and distance to monitoring station	Reduced BPD

Abbreviations: BW, birth weight; HC, head circumference; BTEX, aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-/p-xylene, and o-xylene); BPD, biparietal diameter; NO₂, nitrogen dioxide; AC, abdominal circumference; EFW, estimated fetal weight; SGA, small for gestational age; MTS, maternal tobacco smoking; PB, premature birth; PM, particulate matter; FL, femur length; PAH, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; TRAP, twin reversed arterial perfusion; NO, nitric oxide; NO_x, nitrogen oxides; CO, carbon monoxide.

Table 2 Prospective birth cohort studies on effect of prenatal exposure to air pollutants on respiratory disease

Author, year of publication	Prenatal exposure	Main results
Jedrychowski et al,^Citation41 2010	PAH-DNA adducts	PA – wheezing days during first 2 years of life
Jedrychowski et al,^Citation39 2010	PM2.5	Reduced FVC and FEV1 – 0–5 years of age
Ruskamp et al,^Citation67 2010	Maternal tobacco smoking	Atopy increased risk of RI among children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy
Prabhu et al,^Citation63 2010	MTS	PA – asthma and reduced lung function at 2 years of age Quit smoking during early pregnancy: increased risk of asthma at 2 years of life with normal lung function
Esplugues et al,^Citation46 2011	NO2	PA not statistically significant with respiratory infection, wheeze, and cough
Rosa et al,^Citation43 2011	PAH	No association with asthma at 5–6 yearse
	PAH + MTS	Not significant association with IgE level at 5–6 years of ag
		PA – asthma at 5–6 years of age
Duijts et al,^Citation57 2012	MTS	PA – wheezing at 1–4 years of age
Robison et al,^Citation66 2012	MTS	No association with wheezing Interaction between MTS and PB on wheezing
Gehring et al,^Citation38 2013	NOx, NO2, and PM2.5	PA – levels of pollutants at the current address with small decreases in lung function No association of level of pollutants at birth address
Jedrychowski et al,^Citation55 2013	PM2.5	PA – bronchopulmonary infections
Jedrychowscki et al,^Citation42 2014	PAH	PA – wheezing severity
Chiu et al,^Citation44 2014	Black carbon and PM2.5	PA – wheezing in early childhood Interaction with prenatal community violence was suggested
Jedrychowski et al,^Citation40 2015	PAH	Reduced FEV1 and FEV25–75

Abbreviations: PAH, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; PA, positive association; PM, particulate matter; FVC, forced vital capacity; FEV₁, forced expiratory volume in 1 second; RI, respiratory infection; MTS, maternal tobacco smoking; NO₂, nitrogen dioxide; PB, premature birth; NO_x, nitrogen oxides.

Studies with different designs, particularly meta-analysis, are cited in this article to complete and to improve the discussion on the main results of the birth cohorts. Because prospective cohort studies on this issue are recent, we considered that a period of 5 years could result in a satisfactory update on the possible effects of air pollution on fetal development and its impact on children’s respiratory health.

Exposure to air pollution and fetal development and growth

Several follow-up studies have been conducted in recent decades to evaluate the impact of prenatal exposure to pollutants on fetal growth and development, with divergent results. The most frequently studied pollutants are nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), PM, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and TS. I discuss TS in the following section of this article, separately.^7–10 Such pollutant measurements may be performed using estimates of the distances between homes and roads with high traffic densities or via direct measurements of pollutants in the atmosphere by local monitoring stations associated with different dispersion models. Personal measurements may also be performed using portable devices or via the analysis of biological materials from exposed individuals.^11–13 Among these studies, some prospective birth cohorts analyzed the effect of PM exposure on birth outcomes and have reported conflicting results. van den Hooven et al reported reduced fetal growth, negative impact on birth weight (BW), and positive association with small for gestational age (SGA) and premature birth (PB). The levels of exposure to PM were estimated using dispersion modeling at the home address. The higher levels of exposure were associated with smaller head circumference (HC) in the third trimester of pregnancy and with a reduction of 3.6 g in BW. The third quartile of PM₁₀ exposure was associated with PB and SGA. The fourth quartile was also associated with PB.¹⁴ In contrast to the aforementioned results, Gehring et al reported no associations between prenatal PM exposure and BW. The maternal residential exposure to PM₁₀ was estimated for births within the prevention and incidence of asthma and mite allergy (PIAMA) Dutch prospective cohort using temporally adjusted land-use regression (LUR) models.¹⁵ Pedersen et al compiled data from 14 prospective birth cohorts involving 12 European countries (European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects [ESCAPE]). The study pooled data from the following cohorts: Norwegian Mother and Child Study (MoBa) (Norway), Barn, Allergi, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiologisk undersökning (BAMSE) (Sweden), Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) (Denmark), Kaunus Neonatal Cohort (KANC) (Lithuania), Born in Bradford Cohort (BiB) (England), Amsterdam Born Children and Their Development (ABCD) (the Netherlands), GENERATION R (the Netherlands), PIAMA (the Netherlands), Duisburg Birth Cohort Study (DUISBURG) (Germany), Etude des Determinants Pre et Posnatals du Development et de la Santé de l’Enfant (EDEN) (France), Air Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes (APREG) (Hungary), Genetica e Ambiente: Studio Prospectivo dell’ Infanzia in Italia (GASPII) (Italy), Infancia y medio ambiente (INMA) (Spain), and Rhea study (Greece). Increase of 5 μg/m³ in prenatal exposure to PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ was associated with an increased risk of low birth weight (LBW) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.06–1.33 and OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.00–1.35, respectively). Even exposures to PM_2.5 concentrations below the minimum recommended by the European Union were also associated with an increased risk of LBW.⁹ The meta-analysis undertaken by Sapkota et al also noted a negative correlation between exposure to PM₁₀ and LBW, but this correlation was not significant.¹⁰ Several meta-analyses, including prospective and retrospective studies, have considered the effects of exposure to PM on birth outcomes with more consistent results about the negative impact on fetal development.^7–10 Recent meta-analyses have examined the results of the effects of prenatal exposure to PM on the BWs of infants born at term. According to the effects estimated by 14 participating centers from nine Pregnancy Outcomes [ICAPPO]) that have applied a common protocol totaling approximately 3 million births, a increase of 10 μg/m³ throughout pregnancy in PM₁₀ exposure (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05) and in PM_2.5 exposure (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.18) has been associated with decreased BW. This increase in exposure to PM₁₀ contributed to a reduction in BW of 8.9 g. There was a tendency to report stronger associations at the centers with higher average concentrations of PM_2.5, with higher ratios of PM_2.5/PM₁₀, and that used a temporal approach.⁷

The effects on the fetus were also observed in the meta-analysis undertaken by Zhu et al which included 25 observational studies. Increased exposure to PM_2.5 was directly associated with LBW (OR: 5.1; 95% CI: 1.02–1.07), prematurity (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.18), and SGA infants (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10–1.20). A 10 μg/m³ increase in PM₁₀ exposure was associated with a 14.8 g (95% CI: 9.86–19.31) decrease in BW.⁸ The impacts on BW noted in several studies may seem small individually because they represent only a few grams of reduction; however, the great worldwide exposure and population impact make the effects an important public health problem. Pedersen et al estimated that a reduction in the number of cases of LBW of 22% could be achieved by reducing exposure to PM_2.5 to 10 μg/m³ during pregnancy.⁹ Prenatal exposure to NO₂ has also been widely evaluated in birth cohorts, which have linked said exposure to low BW and intrauterine growth restriction in children born both at term and preterm.^9,14–20

In a multicenter study conducted in Spain, Estarlich et al reported the relationship between an increase of 10 μg/m³ in NO₂ exposure during pregnancy and a reduction of 0.9 mm (95% CI: −1.8 to −0.1) in stature at birth. This relationship was even stronger among women who remained at home for at least 15 hours per day; a height reduction of 0.16 mm (95% CI: −0.27 to −0.04) and a BW reduction of 22 g were also noted secondary to the same increase in NO₂ during the second trimester of pregnancy. In this cohort, the effects of benzene exposure on fetal development were also studied, although no significant results were obtained.¹⁶ Consistent with these results, the meta-analysis that included 14 European cohorts (ESCAPE) demonstrated that increased exposure to NO₂ was associated with decreased BW (OR: 9.1; 95% CI: 1.00–1.19) and a greater risk of low BW among individuals living near high-density vehicular traffic routes, with an OR of 1.0 (95% CI: 1.01–1.11).⁹ Only a limited number of studies have followed fetal growth and development during pregnancy, which may help to clarify the possible windows of susceptibility that exist during intrauterine life. Recent research undertaken in Spain demonstrates that both early and mid-pregnancy represent periods of increased susceptibility. Exposure to NO₂, as estimated by LUR according to home addresses, indicated that an increased susceptibility existed during a critical window during early pregnancy, before the 20th week of gestation. Biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length were both affected early in 20th week. Neonatal outcomes (height and HC at birth) were inversely associated with NO₂ exposure during this period. Exposure during the 32nd week of pregnancy was inversely associated with BPD, HC, and estimated BW. It was also inversely associated with the growth of these parameters between weeks 20 and 32.¹⁷ In a multicenter study (INMA Sabadell), a follow-up analysis was conducted using ultrasound to assess the impact of traffic related air pollution (TRAP) on fetal growth. NO₂ and aromatic hydrocarbon exposure were analyzed. The level of exposure was inversely associated with BPD growth during weeks 20–32. There were no relationships noted involving the other fetal growth parameters. Among the women who spent less than 2 hours/day outside of their homes, significant negative correlations between NO₂ and HC growth during weeks 12–20 were noted, as were correlations involving abdominal circumference, BPD, and fetal weight during weeks 20–32. The results of this cohort were also indicative of the negative effect of NO₂ exposure during both early and mid-pregnancy.¹⁸ Consistent with these results, a birth cohort study conducted in Valencia, Spain noted that high levels of NO₂ exposure during the first trimester were associated with a reduction in height of 0.27 cm and a reduction in BW of 40.3 g. The same level of exposure throughout pregnancy was associated with a reduction of 0.17 cm. The increase in NO₂ exposure during the second trimester was associated with SGA, BW, and height.¹⁹ However, there is also evidence regarding the adverse effects of exposure to pollution during late gestation. In the Netherlands, NO₂ levels correlated inversely with the fetal femur length at both second and third trimesters. Both PM₁₀ and NO₂ exposure were associated with decreased HC during the third trimester. The analysis of neonatal outcomes demonstrated that the average levels of both PM₁₀ and NO₂ during pregnancy were not associated with HC or height either at birth or during the neonatal period; however, they correlated inversely with BW. Increased exposure to PM₁₀ was also associated with prematurity. The authors found no relationship between NO₂ exposure and adverse outcomes at birth.¹⁴ Pereira et al also demonstrated greater effects on BW and the incidence of SGA infants among women with higher levels of exposure during mid-to-late pregnancy; 23,452 pregnant women were studied in a retrospective cohort, and residential exposure to NO₂ was measured. Increased exposure during the second trimester was associated with fetal growth restriction (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.08–1.69).²⁰ In addition to both PM and NO₂, other pollutants have also proven harmful to fetal development.^21,22 Slama et al analyzed the effects of exposure to benzene on fetal growth as part of the mother–child EDEN cohort study conducted in France. The difference between this study and previous studies was its analysis of personal exposure. Pregnant nonsmokers carried a device to measure their exposure to benzene for a week, at 27 weeks gestation. Benzene exposure was associated with lower BW and HC, as measured both during pregnancy (via ultrasound) and at birth. The effects were linked to benzene itself and to the effects of traffic and urban pollution.²¹ Also, Llop et al have reported associations of benzene prenatal exposure with PB.²³ However, some prospective cohorts have not found negative effects of prenatal exposure to benzene on fetal development.^15,16 Estarlich et al reported no associations between exposure to benzene and neonatal outcomes (length and weight at birth).¹⁶

Other birth cohorts also evaluated the role of PAH on fetal development. A comparative study of two cohorts in People’s Republic of China examined the effects exerted by PAH both before and after the closure of a coal plant. There was an increase in the HC of the children whose pregnancies occurred after the close of the plant. This effect coincided with a significant reduction in the levels of PAH-DNA adducts (an exposure marker for a dose-dependent analysis) in umbilical cord blood and lower levels of environmental PAH following the closing of the plant.²⁴ HC reduction suggests a reduction in brain volume and was noted by Pedersen et al.⁹ However, some studies have noted positive correlations between exposures to pollutants and perinatal parameters. In the Netherlands, the ABCD birth cohort study evaluated the effects of NO₂ exposure on the pregnancies of 7,600 women, using the LUR model temporally adjusted. The children born to women with the highest levels of NO₂ exposure had the highest BW and lowest risks of being SGA. No change in the incidence of prematurity was noted.²⁵ In the Netherlands, the birth cohort Dutch PIAMA study evaluated 3,853 pregnant women exposed to NO₂, PM_2.5, and soot during the entire pregnancy, during each trimester, and during the final month. Exposure levels were not associated with outcomes at term. There was no significant correlation between soot exposure throughout pregnancy and during the final month of pregnancy, and prematurity.¹⁵ A historical cohort study (PAMPER study) analyzed data from pregnancies between 1962 and 1992, including 90,537 births and 812 abortions, in northern England. The black smoke emission data were collected from 20 monitoring stations during the study period. The authors noted no relationships between exposure to PM during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage, as was the case in the meta-analysis undertaken by Zhu et al.^8,26 PAMPER study also noted no relationships with preterm birth; however, there was a significant negative correlation between greater levels of exposure and BW.²⁶ In the same cohort among 88,679 births, a significant interaction between social and economic deprivation and exposure to black smoke, which intensified the negative effect of exposure on BW, was observed.²⁷ Some birth cohorts measured the exposure to TRAP by analyzing the distances of residential roads with high densities of vehicle traffic. Other cohort studies used the same method to evaluate the effects of TRAP exposure during both the neonatal period and childhood. A significant impact on the respiratory health was noted after neonatal exposure;¹³ however, no significant impact following prenatal exposure was noted. Hannam et al noted no significant relationships involving distances less than 200 m and SGA, LBW, and PB, with adjustments for maternal age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, parity, birth season, smoking, and body mass index.²⁸ In the Netherlands, van den Hooven et al noted no increased risk for BW, prematurity, SGA, and maternal outcomes in 7,339 pregnant women and newborns living within 150 m of major roads.²⁹ Several factors may have contributed to the different results noted for each of the aforementioned studies. In addition to the differences in the methods used, population characteristics may also interfere with study results. Habits, lifestyles, and both socioeconomic and demographic conditions may be associated with different levels of exposure to air pollutants. In the multicenter birth cohort INMA, which was developed in Valencia, Spain, younger women, Latin Americans, and women belonging to lower social strata were exposed to higher levels of NO₂.¹¹ However, there exists controversy about this particular finding. A birth cohort included 2,000 pregnant women. Questionnaires were used, and measurements of NO₂, trihalomethanes (an aqueous marker of disinfection), organochlorines, and other biomarkers were taken. The results are questionable as to whether socioeconomic disadvantages are associated with higher levels of exposure to environmental pollutants.³⁰ In addition to these variables, nutritional status during pregnancy is also related to fetal development. In addition to an inadequate supply as a result of inadequate maternal food intake, maternal morbidities such as hypertension and diabetes may compromise the supply of nutrition to the fetus.³¹

Some studies have sought to understand the mechanisms by which fetal development may be impaired following exposure to air pollutants. An analysis of growth markers and placental function that included 7,801 pregnant women in the Netherlands utilized dispersion models to estimate NO₂ and PM₁₀ at residential addresses. Placental growth factor (proangiogenic) and fms like tyrosine soluble kinase (antiangiogenic) were each measured during both the first and second trimesters in both maternal blood and cord blood. Umbilical artery pulsatility and uterine artery pulsatility were measured using USG-Doppler at second and third trimesters; placental alterations were assessed during the third trimester, and both placental weight and BW were measured. Higher levels of NO₂ and PM₁₀ were associated with lower levels of maternal blood markers during both the second and third trimesters. Throughout pregnancy, the highest levels of exposure to PM₁₀ and NO₂ were associated with an antiangiogenic state in cord blood.³²

Exposure to air pollution and lung disease

BW is often used as a marker of fetal growth; however, the effect of air pollutants exposure might be significant on susceptible fetal organs such as lung. Mounting evidence exists regarding the effects of exposure to environmental air pollution on the development of children’s respiratory tract and, consequently, on respiratory morbidity and mortality.^1,33–35 Possible susceptibility windows occur during both the prenatal and postnatal periods because the growth and development of the respiratory system begins during fetal life (embryonic, pseudoglandular, canalicular, saccular, and alveolar stages) and extends into adolescence. Throughout this process, external aggression may result in changes that compromise the respiratory health of the individual with effects during both childhood and adulthood. Both genetic and epigenetic characteristics are important in this process.³⁴ Among the studies regarding the effect of postnatal exposure, long-term contact with PM₁₀ and NO₂ between birth and 11 years of age has been associated with a lower increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), according to spirometric analyses performed at 3 years, 5 years, 8 years, and 11 years of age (MAAS – Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study).³⁶ In Sweden, a birth cohort (BAMSE) included 1,900 children up to 8 years of age who were subjected to questionnaires, spirometry, and assessment of IgE and PM₁₀ levels at their home addresses, schools, and daycares, using a dispersion model. Children with the highest levels of exposure to PM₁₀ during their first year of life exhibited a decreased FEV₁ at 8 years of age, which was more pronounced in children who were sensitized to both inhaled allergens and food allergens.³⁷

Moreover, the results of the analyses of five cohort studies in four European countries (Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK) were suggestive of a significant effect exerted by postnatal exposure, but not by prenatal exposure. Long-term exposure to both PM_2.5 and NO₂ was associated with significant but small reductions in lung volume growth in school age children. The negative correlations involved current addresses as opposed to birth addresses.³⁸

Although some prospective birth cohorts have assessed the impact of postnatal exposure on the development and function of the respiratory system, information regarding the effects of exposure during intrauterine life is both scarce and controversial.^26,35 Prematurity and low BW as a result of prenatal exposure alone may also reflect on the likelihood of developing respiratory disease because they are responsible for the elevated risk of mortality and respiratory disease during subsequent years.³⁵ In a follow-up study, personal measurements of PM_2.5 were performed over 48 hours in the second trimester of pregnancy. Children were followed for 0–5 years. Deficits in forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV₁ were reported at the highest quartile of PM_2.5.³⁹ Other recent evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to PAHs may affect lung development and that this effect may be exacerbated by postnatal exposures. Jedrychowski et al evaluated 195 children without asthma of non-smoking mothers. The highest levels of PAHs during pregnancy were associated with a reduced FEV₁ and a reduced FEV_25–75 ⁴⁰. The same authors have reported that the number of wheezing days during the first 2 years of life was positively associated with the prenatal level of PAH-adducts (incidence rate ratio [IRR] =1.69; 95% CI: 1.52–2.88).⁴¹ Correlations among personal exposure, pre-and postnatal PAH, and the severity of wheezing and recurrent wheezing were also studied by the same group of researchers and suggested that prenatal exposure may trigger and intensify the symptoms resulting from postnatal exposure. The study also found IRR=1.53 (95% CI: 1.43–1.64) for both prenatal exposure and wheezing severity and IRR=1.13 (95% CI: 1.08–1.19) for postnatal exposure. The recurrence of wheezing was more commonly associated with exposure during the first 3 years of life (OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.26–4.22) than with prenatal exposure (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 0.85–2.09).⁴² Rosa et al also studied prenatal exposure to PAH. The authors reported no association with asthma at 5–6 years of age. However, they reported a positive but not significant association of combined prenatal exposure to PAH and maternal TS with asthma at the same age, but not with IgE levels.⁴³

The evidence regarding the effects of pollutants on the onset of respiratory symptoms and aggravation of existing morbidities is strong. However, another important but less studied phenomenon is the possible effects of TRAP as a determining factor in the induction of asthma/wheezing and allergy. The results of cohort studies remain controversial. Inconsistencies among the findings of these studies may be attributed to differences in the scenarios of the studies, designs, and exposure measurement methods.^44,45 In Spain, 352 children were followed. Prenatal exposure to NO₂ was accessed using home addresses (LUR) and postnatal exposure both inside and outside the home, as determined with passive devices for 14 days. For each increment of 10 μg/m³ of outdoor postnatal NO₂ exposure, the OR for persistent cough during the first year of life was 1.40 (95% CI: 1.02–1.92). Trends were also noted for bronchiolitis, bronchitis, lower respiratory tract infection, wheezing and persistent cough, and prenatal exposure, but these trends were not significant.⁴⁶ Based on the results of a longitudinal study involving children between 0 year and 5 years of age, children living near roads with higher traffic densities are subject to more instances of chronic respiratory disease, most likely as a result of repeated exposures early in life, which may be cumulative.⁴⁵ Two cohort studies performed in three regions of Germany (GINIplus and LISAplus) followed children from birth to 10 years of age via questionnaires, blood tests, and measurements of pollutants (NO₂, PM_2.5, PM_2.5, and O₃ absorbance). Evidence that exposure to TRAP influences the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or sensitization to aeroallergens was uncovered, and significant heterogeneity was observed among the three regions studied.⁴⁷ The role of postnatal exposure in the induction of asthma/allergy also is not clear. In New York, a cohort study involving 408 children between 5 years and 6 years of age was undertaken between 2005 and 2011. The highest incidence of new cases of wheezing was noted among the children with the most exposure to PM_2.5, which suggested that exposure to indoor pollution during childhood contributes to the development of wheezing after 5–7 years of age. There was no correlation with IgE levels.⁴⁵ Evidence has been drawn from studies examining markers of immune function and the effects of prenatal exposure to PM₁₀ and NO₂ on the immune system of the newborn. During a follow-up study involving 370 women, the levels of volatile compounds were measured both 3 months prior to pregnancy and during pregnancy in a subgroup of 56 non-smoking women. The findings of this study suggest that maternal exposure to air pollutants both before and during pregnancy may alter the development of an infant’s immune system, which may increase the infant’s risk of asthma and allergies. Higher PM₁₀ levels were associated with reduced percentages of CD4 + CD25 + cord blood at 3 months before pregnancy. A similar reduction was observed following exposure to benzene. A similar trend was observed between NO₂ and CD4 + CD25 + T cells, but the effect was the strongest between NO₂ exposure and CD8 + T cells.⁴⁸ In a birth cohort that included 265 healthy subjects, moderate exposure to both indoor and outdoor pollutants resulted in changes in cytokine levels in cord blood. The highest PM₁₀ exposure levels during the final 3 days of gestation were associated with a reduction in IL-10 and during the last 3 months of pregnancy were associated with increased IL-1β levels, both in the umbilical cord. Maternal smoking was associated with reduced IL-6 levels. There were no relationships involving other IL types in the cord blood.⁴⁹ Another important aspect of the exposure to pollutants is its relationship with susceptibility to respiratory infections during childhood. Mounting evidence exists regarding the impact of postnatal exposure to pollutants on both the incidence and the severity of respiratory symptoms during the early years of life.^50–52 Follow-up studies have demonstrated that every hour of postnatal exposure to PM_2.5 at levels >100 μg/m³ was associated with an increase of 7% in the risk of developing a respiratory infection during the first year of life.⁵⁰ There is also evidence of a significant relationship between air pollution and the severity of respiratory symptoms, particularly during the week following the development of a respiratory infection as well as among infants with prior pulmonary function changes. Stern et al reported that increased PM₁₀ (>33.3 μg/m³) coincided with an increase of 20% in the duration of respiratory infections.⁵¹ Additionally, the exposure of school age children to pollutants is associated with respiratory morbidity. A study of schoolchildren’s personal and indoor levels of exposure to both NO₂ and O₃ showed that these exposures were associated with greater risks of pneumonia.⁵²

However, there is little information regarding the possible effects of air pollutants during pregnancy and individuals’ subsequent susceptibility to infections during childhood. Among the studies that analyzed the impact of prenatal exposure, a retrospective cohort conducted in Boston, MA, USA, examined 1,263 mother–children couples from 1999 to 2002. The results suggest that living near a large highway during pregnancy increases the risk of respiratory infections during the first years of life.⁵³

Among the prospective birth cohorts, a study conducted by Aguilera et al in four regions of Spain described an increased risk of respiratory infections and ear infections following increased NO₂ exposure and, to a lesser extent, following exposure to benzene during the first years of life. An increase in NO₂ exposure of 10 μg/m³ during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of lower respiratory tract infection (relative risk [RR] =1.05; 95% CI: 0.98–1.12). In this study, the results were suggestive of a trend; however, because interdependency existed among the variables during both pregnancy and the early years of life, it was not possible to analyze each exposure period separately.⁵⁴ According to the results of the birth cohort study in Valencia, Spain, the authors have found not statistically significant correlation between prenatal exposure to NO₂ and bronchitis, bronchiolitis, lower respiratory tract infections, wheeze, and persistent cough.⁴⁶ Jedrychowscki et al analyzed the effects of exposure to PM. In a follow-up study, 214 children had personal prenatal PM_2.5 exposure measurements. The incidence of bronchopulmonary infections was correlated with the prenatal exposure in a dose–response manner (OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.22–5.36).⁵⁵

Exposure to TS during pregnancy

Strong evidence links exposure to TS during both pre- and postnatal periods to the occurrence of health problems in children.^56–67 TS contains over 4,000 chemicals, at least 250 of which are toxic to the human body and more than 50 are carcinogenic. Passive smoking is associated with both cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in both adults and children.¹

The toxic components of TS may reach the fetus by crossing the placenta; they may also be transmitted to an infant via breast milk.⁵⁶ However, differentiating among the specific effects of prenatal or postnatal exposures on the development of infants is difficult because children exposed in utero invariably remain exposed following birth.

Evidence is accumulating regarding the relationship between prenatal exposure to TS and neonatal outcomes related to fetal growth and development. The aforementioned studies also assessed the impact of TS on the development of respiratory disorders among children, particularly the occurrence of respiratory infections and asthma/allergy symptoms. A growing number of studies have also analyzed the impact of TS on neurodevelopment.^56,59,60

The study of birth cohorts has confirmed the existence of several relationships and has sought to analyze the potential for the existence of greater vulnerability windows during pregnancy.⁵⁸ Iñiguez et al studied the role of maternal smoking in a cohort study conducted in Spain. Relationships were observed between BPD, abdominal circumference, femur length, and estimated fetal weight, as measured via ultrasound between 32nd week and 38th week of gestation. Maternal smoking also adversely affected growth between 20th week and 32nd week, 12th week and 32nd week, and 12th week and 38th week of gestation. Exposure to environmental TS (passive smoking) was also inversely associated with increased BPD in each of the analyzed windows, with the exception between 32nd week and 38th week.⁵⁸

However, there have been mixed results noted regarding the role of passive maternal smoking during pregnancy. A cohort study was conducted comparing 2,210 pregnant women with mild and moderate-severe asthma with women who were not exposed to TS, active smokers, and passive smokers. Although the authors observed a greater risk of SGA newborns (P<0.001) and lower mean BW (P<0.001) among smoking mothers, no differences were observed in maternal and neonatal outcomes among passive smokers and nonsmokers.⁶¹

The risk of recurrent wheezing in infants also appears to be influenced by smoking during pregnancy. Maternal smoking during the third trimester has been associated with an increased risk of recurrent wheezing within the first 2 years of life (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2–10.7), according to the exposure assessments performed via questionnaires given to the children’s parents. The results were similar when the evaluation utilized cotinine measurements in both umbilical cord blood and urine at 1 year of age. In this study, maternal smoking did not significantly influence the incidence of recurrent wheezing or bronchial hyperresponsiveness within the first 7 years of life.⁶²

Smoking cessation during pregnancy may have benefits but may not completely eliminate the risk of respiratory effects in children. Another longitudinal study observed that children with mothers who smoked throughout pregnancy had a higher incidence of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function as determined via spirometry compared with the children of nonsmokers. Children with mothers who quit smoking during early pregnancy also had an increased risk of asthma in the first 2 years of life; however, these children exhibited normal lung function.⁶³

The role of passive smoking has been studied in a birth cohort that followed more than 4,000 children up to 16 years of age. The likelihood of developing asthma was higher among the children of passive smoking mothers (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.15–1.83). The high risk remained significant after adjusting for parental smoking during childhood. A standard dose-dependent relationship with exposure to TS was observed. Passive smoking during childhood was also associated with asthma, rhinitis, and eczema. Analyses conducted by age demonstrated that asthma and rhinitis occurred primarily during childhood and that eczema occurred later.⁶⁴ Sunyer et al also reported negative effects of the maternal exposure to second-hand TS on BW and increased risk for SGA.⁶⁵

Despite the large number of animal studies evaluating the potential of cigarette smoke exposure during intrauterine life to induce asthma/allergy, the number of birth cohort studies evaluating this outcome is small.⁵⁶ Animal studies have demonstrated the presence of larger alveoli among rats exposed to TS during intrauterine life. Similar effects have been reported in animals exposed to nicotine during pregnancy. The formation of the airways also appears to be affected by exposure to nicotine in experimental animal studies.²⁶ In a recent meta-analysis, Burke et al observed a higher incidence of wheezing and asthma at age 2 years in children who were exposed to TS during either the prenatal or the postnatal period. The incidence of wheezing ranged from 30% to 70%, and the incidence of asthma ranged from 21% to 85%. The greatest impact on the incidence of wheezing was reported among children of smoking mothers following exposure during the postnatal period (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.24–2.35), and the greatest impact on the incidence of asthma was reported among children of smoking mothers following exposure during the prenatal period (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.35–2.53). Of the 79 included studies, the authors selected four studies that analyzed the incidence of wheezing and five studies that analyzed the incidence of asthma.⁵⁶ In clinical situations such as prematurity, the effects of TS exposure may be increased. A cohort study including 1,448 children in Boston demonstrated that exposure to TS during pregnancy was not associated with the incidence of wheezing (OR: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.5–2.4). However, an analysis of a subgroup composed of premature infants demonstrated that TS exposure potentiated the risk of wheezing (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3–3.1 for prematurity and OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.8–8.0 for prematurity associated with intrauterine exposure to TS).⁶⁶

In addition to prematurity, genetic characteristics may also influence the risk of developing wheezing among children who have been exposed to TS during intrauterine life. In a study undertaken by Ruskamp et al atopy, as determined via total IgE levels and the presence of neonatal dermatitis, increased the risk of respiratory infections among children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy (OR: 6.18; 95% CI: 1.45–26.34 and OR: 5.69; 95% CI: 2.01–16.04, respectively).⁶⁷

Conclusion

Great heterogeneity exists among studies that have analyzed evidence regarding the impact of intrauterine exposure to air pollutants on fetal growth and development. The largest reported effects are associated with prenatal exposure to PM, NO₂, and TS. There are more conflicting results on the effects of the prenatal exposure to PAH.

The primary effects of prenatal pollutants exposure affect particularly BW and other parameters of fetal biometry. There is strong evidence regarding the impact of PM and NO₂ on wheezing and respiratory infection in infancy but not on the role of the pollutants in the induction of asthma.

There is a need for additional prospective cohorts that begin in early pregnancy with follow-up to the children’s first years of life that may provide information on causal relationships. The main aspects to be clarified include the role of specific pollutants, prenatal windows of vulnerability, and the importance of confounders as socioeconomics status and nutrition.

Growing evidence links maternal smoking to fetal development and to the symptoms and induction of childhood asthma. Concerning TS, there is a need of studies on the effects of maternal second-hand TS exposure and on the role of smoking cessation during pregnancy.

A better knowledge on the impact of prenatal exposure to air pollutants can help to improve public policies and prophylactic strategies regarding the children and conse quently adult’s health.

Disclosure

The author reports no conflicts of interest in this work.