A Randomized Air Filter Intervention Study of Air Pollution and Fetal Growth in a Highly Polluted Community

A Randomized Air Filter Intervention Study of Air Pollution and Fetal Growth in a Highly Polluted Community

A Randomized Air Filter Intervention Study of Air Pollution and Fetal Growth in a Highly Polluted Community

The purpose of this study is to use an air filter intervention to evaluate the relationship between particulate matter air pollution exposure during pregnancy and fetal growth. We hypothesize that: 1) portable high efficiency air (HEPA) filters will produce major reductions in home indoor concentrations of particulate matter and 2) pregnant women whose exposures to particulate matter are reduced by this intervention will give birth to children with greater mean body weight for gestational age. In an extended follow-up of this cohort, we aim to evaluate the relationship between use of portable air purifiers during pregnancy and the growth and development of children from birth to age four years. In particular, the follow-up study will focus on children's physical growth, respiratory symptoms, and behavioral, social and neurocognitive development.

Air pollution, Particulate matter, Mongolia, Pregnancy, Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), Fetal growth, Birth weight, Gestational age, Obesity, IQ, Autism, Wheeze

Sub-scales and composite scores from the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3)

Sub-scales and composite scores from the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3)

Sub-scales and index scores from the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)

For all variables, we will explore effect modification by maternal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, fraction of time spent at home, sex of the baby, season of birth, gestational age at birth, and the fraction of time that the HEPA filter(s) were used.

Inclusion Criteria: Adult (>18 years) Pregnant woman in first trimester (<14 weeks) Single gestation pregnancy Non-smoker Exclusion Criteria: Multiple-gestation pregnancy Current smoker Currently operating an air filter in the home Currently living in a ger (traditional Mongolian felt-lined yurt) Plan to give birth outside of a hospital or clinic in Ulaanbaatar

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