[Influence of air pollution on birth weight].

INTRODUCTION

Epidemiological studies point out that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is a risk for low birth weight.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of outdoor and indoor air pollution on the occurrence of low birth weight.

METHODS

The measurement of outdoor air pollutants, sulphur dioxide and black smoke was carried out daily at the Institute for Public Healthcare of Nis at two measuring locations, in Nis and Niska Banja during 2003. Subjects were 367 pregnant women, nonsmokers and who were not profesionally exposed to air pollution. Data on exposure to source of indoor air pollution (passive smoking and mode of heating) was determined on the basis of a questionnaire. Data on the characterisitics of newborns were taken from the register of Obstetrics and Gyanecology Clinic of Nis.

RESULTS

We determined that exposure of pregnant women to outdoor air pollution and wood heating systems had influence on the occurence of low birth weight. Exposure to passive smoking had no influence on neonatal low birth weight.

CONCLUSION

Exposure of pregnant women to outdoor and indoor air pollutants can have negative influence on the occurrence of low birth weight.