Study on How Ultrafine Particulate Matter and Micro Nano Plastics Affect Fetal Health and Preterm Birth Risks

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how exposure to air pollution, especially ultrafine particulate matter UFP, PM0.1 and micro and nano plastics MNPs, affects fetal development. The study focuses on the short-term impact of these pollutants on the chance of preterm delivery and how this may increase the risk of non-communicable diseases later in life. The research involves a case-control design with newborns and their mothers from multiple locations including Greece, Spain, and Belgium. The study includes 1600 newborns, with a control group of full-term neonates recruited at a 12 ratio. Additionally, a personal exposure monitoring substudy involves 150 mothers aged 18 years and older, with participants from various locations. The design uses a nested case-control approach within an existing prospective cohort framework. Participants will be involved through monitoring exposures during pregnancy, with data collected on preterm birth, small for gestational age, and low birth weight at birth. The study will assess exposure to pollutants using personal sensors and analyze health outcomes of the newborns. The total observation covers pregnancy and birth outcomes, with assessments focused on early life stages.

Impact of UFPs and MNPs on Fetal Health