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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Svetlana Glinianaia, Professor Judith RankinORCiD, Dr Ruth Bell, Professor Tanja Pless-Mulloli, Denise Howel
There is now substantial evidence that both short- and long-term increases in ambient air pollution are associated with increased mortality and morbidity in adults and children. Children's health is particularly vulnerable to environmental pollution, and infant mortality is still a major contributor to childhood mortality. In this systematic review we summarize and evaluate the current level of epidemiologic evidence of an association between particulate air pollution and infant mortality. We identified relevant publications using database searches with a comprehensive list of search terms and other established search methods. We included articles in the review according to specified inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Evidence of an association between particulate air pollution and infant mortality in general was inconsistent, being reported from locations with largely comparable pollution levels. There was some evidence that the strength of association with particulate matter differed by subgroups of infant mortality. It was more consistent for postneonatal mortality due to respiratory causes and sudden infant death syndrome. Differential findings for various mortality subgroups within studies suggest a stronger association of particulate air pollution with some causes of infant death. Research is needed to confirm and clarify these links, using the most appropriate methodologies for exposure assessment and control of confounders.
Author(s): Glinianaia SV, Rankin J, Bell R, Pless-Mulloli T, Howel D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives
Year: 2004
Volume: 112
Issue: 14
Pages: 1365-1370
Print publication date: 03/06/2004
Date deposited: 18/04/2008
ISSN (print): 0091-6765
ISSN (electronic): 1552-9924
Publisher: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.6857
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.6857
PubMed id: 15471726
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