Trimester-Specific Association of Maternal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and its Components With Birth and Placental Weight in Japan

Objective We investigated which trimester of exposure to PM2.5 and its components was associated with birth and placental weight, and the fetoplacental weight ratio. Methods The study included 63,990 women who delivered singleton term births within 23 Tokyo wards between 2013 and 2015. Each day, we collected fine particles on a filter, and analyzed their chemical constituents, including carbons and ions. Trimester-specific exposure to each pollutant was estimated based on the average daily concentrations. Results Over the third trimester, sulfate exposure tended to be inversely associated with birth weight, and decreased placental weight (difference for highest vs lowest quintile groups = -6.7 g, 95% confidence interval = -12.5 to -0.9). For fetoplacental weight ratio, there was no relationship. Conclusions Sulfate exposure over the third trimester may reduce birth weight, particularly placental weight.