Traffic Exposure and Birth Outcomes in Australia
Author Information
Author(s): Adrian G Barnett, Kathryn Plonka, W Kim Seow, Lee-Ann Wilson, Craig Hansen
Primary Institution: Queensland University of Technology
Hypothesis
Does increased traffic exposure lead to negative birth outcomes?
Conclusion
Increased exposure to traffic pollution is associated with reduced gestation time in pregnant women.
Supporting Evidence
- A greater number of freeways and main roads around the home were associated with shorter gestation time.
- For every 10 extra main roads within 400 metres of the home, gestation time was reduced by 1.1%.
- The negative effects on gestation were largely due to main roads within 400 metres of the home.
Takeaway
Being near busy roads can make babies born to pregnant women come out a little earlier than normal.
Methodology
The study used a prospective cohort design, examining traffic exposure through distance to roads and number of roads around homes.
Potential Biases
There is a potential for confounding by socio-economic status.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small sample size and used crude measures of traffic exposure.
Participant Demographics
The cohort consisted of mothers from a low socio-economic area in Logan, Queensland.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -1.7, -0.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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