Researchers link bad air and miscarriage

PanARMENIAN.Net - Another inversion is expected to build back in next week. Poor air quality has been linked to numerous adverse health issues from asthma to pre-term birth, Abc4.com reports.

Researchers at the University of Utah say they've found a link between pollution and miscarriages. Researchers at University of Utah Health found women living along the Wasatch Front, the most populous region in Utah, had a higher risk of miscarriage after exposure to elevated air pollution.

Dr. Matthew Fuller, Senior Author, 'it's right to be cautious and concerned. We as Utahns see it every day and live it every winter in Utah.'

Dr. Matthew Fuller, with the Division of Emergency Medicine at the University of Utah was the senior author of the study. He and his team, found a link between air pollution and miscarriage in women who were in the early part of their pregnancy, up to 20 weeks of gestation.

Dr. Fuller, 'we found an increased rate of miscarriage associated with poor air quality days with specifically with nitrogen dioxide...auto exhaust we also found a strong correlation with PM 2.5 which is the particulate matter you see in the air in Utah particularly foul air days.'

The team looked at 1300 women who had a miscarriage and looked at the risk of miscarriage during a 3 to 7 day window following a spike in bad air.

Fuller, 'that doesn't mean these pollutants are unique to Utah or Salt Lake City. These pollutants are found anywhere in the world where there is air pollution, industry and vehicle emissions. It pertains to each and everyone one of us. I would suggest women approach their obstetricians or talk with their partners about first when they want to conceive and avoid these poor air quality months I would suggest looking into that. Air quality is an issue that affects all of us and all of us need to work together to reduce air pollution.'

Dr. Fuller says more studies need to be done. He says if you are early in your pregnancy, reduce your time outside just like those who suffer from a chronic respiratory condition. He also suggests having a charcoal HEPA filter.