The role of environmental exposures in preterm birth

Abstract

Preterm birth is a significant yet poorly understood public health problem that may arise in part from maternal exposure to chemicals in the environment. This review explores the state of the knowledge on prematurity in relation to: (1) Organic pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, polychlorinated biphenyls, and perfluorinated compounds, disinfection byproducts, such as trihalomethanes, non-persistent pesticides, such as atrazine, and non-persistent organics of emerging concern, such as phthalates and bisphenol-A; (2) Metals and metalloids, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury; and (3) Air pollutants, including EPA criteria air contaminants, environmental tobacco smoke, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. We also highlight pervasive study limitations as well as important directions for future research.