Air pollution and fetal outcomes upper Egypt (Assiut)‎

Abstract EN

Background : Pregnancy may constitutes a period of human development particularly susceptible to toxins contained in air pollution because of high cell proliferation, organ development and the changing capabilities of fetal metabolism.

Objective : To identify the effects of air pollution (PM10, SO2, CO, and NOx) produced by a fertilizer producing factory on the fetal outcomes in Assiut governorate-Egypt.

Patients and Methods : This is a case control study included 200 pregnant women divided into two groups, Group A: included 100 pregnant women living in the surrounding area of a compost factory ,Group B : included 100 pregnant women living in area located away from the factory and comparison between both groups as regard pregnancy outcomes was done.

Results : There is a statistically significant increase in the incidence of abortion and stillbirth and lower mean birth weight in GA than that of GB (P-value < 0.05 and < 0.002 respectively).

Conclusion : There is an association between PM10 and SO2 air pollution and the increased incidence of abortions and stillbirths and the lower mean birth weight.