Wildfire smoke and heat stress have been identified as significant factors that can negatively impact birth outcomes for women, particularly in climate-vulnerable neighborhoods. A recent study led by USC postdoctoral researcher Roxana Khalili, Ph.D., sheds light on the effects of these environmental exposures on infant health.
Published in Environmental Science & Technology, the study is groundbreaking in its exploration of how living in areas susceptible to climate-related hazards can amplify the impact of heat stress on adverse birth outcomes. The research focused on pregnant women in Los Angeles participating in the MADRES cohort, a study tracking maternal and developmental risks from environmental and social stressors.
By analyzing data on wildland fires, smoke density, heat stress, and neighborhood vulnerability, the researchers were able to pinpoint the associations between exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress and adverse birth outcomes. They found that greater exposure to these factors during the preconception period and the first trimester of pregnancy was linked to higher odds of having a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) baby, which poses health risks for the infant.
Moreover, the study revealed that living in climate-vulnerable neighborhoods could further increase the likelihood of adverse birth outcomes, particularly in relation to heat stress. Women in these neighborhoods were found to have a higher risk of delivering SGA babies when exposed to heat stress during preconception.
The research also highlighted the impact of wildfire smoke on infant size, as measured by Fenton Z-scores. Infants exposed to more days of wildfires during pregnancy showed a significant decrease in their size compared to the average for their age. These findings are especially relevant given the recent prolonged wildfire events in Los Angeles and other cities across the U.S.
According to Khalili, understanding the effects of wildfires and heat stress on pregnant women is crucial for developing protective measures and interventions. As California’s wildfire seasons are expected to become longer and more severe, it is essential to address community resilience to these environmental hazards beyond individual-level actions.
Rima Habre, who oversaw the study, emphasized the need for holistic research to quantify health risks associated with climate hazards and strengthen community resilience. By considering the cumulative impacts of environmental factors, socioeconomic conditions, and health vulnerabilities, interventions can be targeted to mitigate the risks posed by climate-related exposures.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of recognizing the complex interplay between environmental hazards, community vulnerabilities, and adverse birth outcomes. By addressing these factors through informed research and targeted interventions, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards safeguarding the health of pregnant women and their infants in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.
