Sun Y, Ilangob DS, Schwarz L, Wang J, Chen JC, Lawrence J, Wu J, Benmarhnia T*. 2020. Associations between heatwaves and preterm birth: combined effects with air pollution and green space. Environmental Research Letters. In press.
This study examined the combined effects of heatwaves, air pollution and green space exposure on the risk of PTB using California birth certificate records for singleton births (years 2005-2013; over 1.9 million births). Residential zip code-specific daily temperature during the last week of gestation was used to create 12 definitions of heatwave with varying temperature thresholds and durations. This study found synergistic harmful effects for heatwaves with air pollution, and potential positive interactions with lack of green space on PTB. Implementing interventions, such as heat warning systems and behavioral changes, targeted toward pregnant women at risk for high air pollution and low green space exposures may optimize the benefits of reducing acute exposure to extreme heat before delivery.