Correlation between preconception maternal non-occupational exposure to interior decoration or oil paint odour and average birth weight of neonates: findings from a nationwide cohort study in China’s rural areas

Abstract

BackgroundBirth weight is a critical indicator of neonatal health and foretells people’s health in adolescence and even adulthood. Some researchers have warned against the adverse effects on babies’ birth weight of exposure to pollutants in interior decoration or oil paint by odour intake. This study evaluated the effects of maternal exposure to such factors before conception on the birth weights of neonates.MethodsData on 213 461 cases in this study were from the database of the free National Pre-pregnancy Checkups Project. Defined as ‘exposed’ were those women exposed to oil paint odour or interior decoration at home or in the workplace within 6 months before their pregnancy. The study focused on revealing the correlation between such exposure and the birth weight of the neonates of these women, especially the incidence of macrosomia and low birth weight (LBW). Statistical analysis was conducted using the Kruskal–Wallis H test, the Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regression.ResultsThe birth weight of babies from mothers non-occupationally exposed to such settings averaged 3465 g (range 3150–3650 g), whereas the birth weight of those from mothers free of such exposure averaged 3300 g (range 3000–3600g). Maternal exposure preconception to interior decoration or oil paint odour reduced the incidence of LBW in their babies (p=0.003, OR 0.749, 95% CI 0.617 to 0.909). Such exposure may also augment the probability of macrosomia (p<0.001, OR 1.297, 95% CI 1.133 to 1.484).ConclusionMaternal exposure to interior decoration or oil paint odour preconception may increase the average birth weight of neonates, as well as the incidence of macrosomia.

Household renovation before and during pregnancy in relation to preterm birth and low birthweight in China

“…24,40 The cohort study of 213 461 births in China found that women who were exposed to interior decoration or oil paint odor at home or in the workplace within 6 months before their pregnancy had significantly lower incidence of LBW than other women without these exposures. 24,40 The cohort study of 213 461 births in China found that women who were exposed to interior decoration or oil paint odor at home or in the workplace within 6 months before their pregnancy had significantly lower incidence of LBW than other women without these exposures.…”

“…24,40 The cohort study of 213 461 births in China found that women who were exposed to interior decoration or oil paint odor at home or in the workplace within 6 months before their pregnancy had significantly lower incidence of LBW than other women without these exposures. Secondly, the definition of renovation-related exposure in the nationwide cohort study was interior decoration or oil paint odor at home or in the workplace within 6 months before their pregnancy, 24 whereas the corresponding definition in our study was household renovation during the year before pregnancy. We suspect that the differences between the studied associations are partly due to urban-rural differences.…”

“…Our findings that household renovation in the year before pregnancy was significantly associated with LBW and Term-LBW, whereas household renovation during pregnancy was significantly associated with PTB but not LBW and Term-LBW, differ from those of a nationwide cohort study in China and a European cohort study. 24,40 The cohort study of 213 461 births in China found that women who were exposed to interior decoration or oil paint odor at home or in the workplace within 6 months before their pregnancy had significantly lower incidence of LBW than other women without these exposures. 24 First, this study was conducted in rural areas and designed as a prospective cohort study, whereas our study was mainly in urban areas and designed as a retrospective cross-sectional study.…”

“…21 A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China, found that household renovation during pregnancy was associated with 68% increased odds of PTB and with 64% increased odds of LBW. 24 These inconsistent findings suggest that more studies of associations between household renovation and birth outcomes are warranted. 23 However, a nationwide cohort study in China's rural areas reported that maternal exposure to interior decoration or oil paint odor at home or at the workplace within 6 months before pregnancy might increase the birthweight of their neonates and reduce the incidence of LBW.…”

“…23 However, a nationwide cohort study in China's rural areas reported that maternal exposure to interior decoration or oil paint odor at home or at the workplace within 6 months before pregnancy might increase the birthweight of their neonates and reduce the incidence of LBW. 24 These inconsistent findings suggest that more studies of associations between household renovation and birth outcomes are warranted.…”