Exposure of pregnant women to particle matter pollution: levels and risks

摘要

Because of the potential health outcomes, coarse (PM10), fine (PM2.5) particulate matter and ultrafine particles (UFP) have been receiving scientific attention. Information about exposure to these pollutants is especially relevant for susceptible individuals, such as pregnant women who are at greater risks of serious respiratory consequences. To deepen the existent knowledge on associated health risks, this study aims to: (1) evaluate exposure of pregnant women to PM10, PM2.5 and UFP, (2) estimate particle deposition within respiratory system, and (3) assess the respective inhalation risks. Air quality of 65 homes of pregnant women living in Porto Metropolitan Area (Portugal) was evaluated over the course of 9 months (2018/19). Information regarding the pregnant subjects was collected via a detailed questionnaire, after approval of the Ethical Committee of Centro Hospitalar de Sao Joao. Specifically, PM10, PM2.5 and UFP were concurrently measured indoors and outdoors (DustTrak DRX Aerosol Monitor 8533, TSI; P-Trak UFP Counter 8525, TSI). For PM10 the respective indoor means were 14-194 u.g m-3 and 11-187 u.g m-3 for PM2.5 [indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratios of 1.12 and 1.11, respectively]. Indoor UFP ranged between 2.41x103 and 79.9xl03# cm-3, with I/O ratio of 1.46. Further analysis will be performed to estimate exposure risks using the USEPA methodology Quantitative Health Risk Assessment for Particulate Matter, while particle deposition will be assessed by the Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model. The data obtained here can be used for determining risks associated to particulate matter exposure supporting national regulatory committees and policy makers to take the necessary steps to protect human health. This work is supported by FCT-FAPESP (FAPESP/19914/2014) and by UID/EQU/00511/2019 - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy - LEPABE, funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC); Carla Costa and Joana Madureira are supported by FCT grants (SFRH/BPD/96196/2013 and SFRH/BPD/115112/2016, respectively).