Air Pollution and Racial Disparities in Pregnancy Outcomes in the United States: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background Exposure to air pollutants and other environmental factors increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is growing evidence that adverse outcomes related to air pollution disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities. This paper explores the importance of race as a risk factor for air pollution-related poor pregnancy outcomes. Methods We systematically reviewed epidemiologic studies investigating the effects of exposure to air pollution on pregnancy outcomes in the United States. Results Findings across all reviewed studies show more adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, small for gestational age, low birth weight and stillbirths) due to air pollution among Blacks and Hispanics than among non-Hispanic Whites. Conclusion This paper enhances our general understanding of the impact of air pollution on birth outcomes and, specifically, of disparities in birth outcomes for infants born to Black and Hispanic mothers.