Wildfire smoke now primary pregnancy pollutant

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  A new study published in Frontiers in Environmental Health shows wildfire smoke has become the main air pollutant affecting pregnancy outcomes“A new study examining pollution levels across a 16-year span found that while general pollution levels from sources such as cars and industry have significantly declined, recent increases in wildfire smoke air pollution have offset those gains and could be contributing to negative outcomes for pregnant women and babies such as low birth weight and preterm births. Published by Frontiers in Environmental Health, the study included data from about 64.5 million pregnancies between 2003 and 2019, covering more than 2,800 counties in 48 states.”
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  The research analyzed 64.5 million pregnancies across 2,800 U.S. counties from 2003 to 2019“The study included data from about 64.5 million pregnancies between 2003 and 2019, covering more than 2,800 counties in 48 states.”
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  The study found wildfire smoke accounted for 65% of days exceeding air quality standards“Over the study period, about 65% of the days that recorded pollution levels above the National Ambient Air Quality Standard could be attributed to wildfire smoke.”
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  While pollution from cars and industry declined, wildfire smoke increased enough to cancel out those improvements“While general pollution levels from sources such as cars and industry have significantly declined, recent increases in wildfire smoke air pollution have offset those gains and could be contributing to negative outcomes for pregnant women and babies such as low birth weight and preterm births.”
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  The study did not consider whether pregnant people used protective measures like air filters or masks“The study did not account for any movement between counties or regions during pregnancy, or whether pregnant people used any protection against smoke such as masks, air filters or temporary relocation.”
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  Researchers noted wildfire pollution affects even regions not typically associated with fires“Even in regions that are not strongly associated with wildfire, such as the southeast region of the U.S., wildfire pollution rates grew substantially during that time period.”
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  Researchers noted wildfire pollution affects even regions not typically associated with fires, such as the southeastern U.S.“Even in regions that are not strongly associated with wildfire, such as the southeast region of the U.S., wildfire pollution rates grew substantially during that time period.”
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  The lead author, Menglu Liang, is an assistant clinical professor of biostatistics at the University of Maryland“Menglu Liang, leading author of the study and assistant clinical professor of biostatistics at the University of Maryland, said in a news release ”
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  No specific Tacoma connections were mentioned in the studyNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.