Climate-Sensitive Environmental Exposures and Reproductive Outcomes: Evidence from Epidemiologic Studies

Abstract Authors: Howard H. Chang¹

1. Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Emory University

Abstract Text:

Pregnant people are recognized as a potential vulnerable population more impacted by climate change. As a result of rising global temperatures, human exposures to poor air quality and extreme weather events have become increasingly more common. This presentation will describe results from several population-based epidemiologic studies examining health effects of ambient air pollution and extreme heat on various adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth and early-term birth. We will also describe different modeling approaches to estimate health effects of environmental exposure during pregnancy and methods to minimize spatial-temporal confounding. Finally, we will summarize research gaps and priorities that can help inform prevention-focused programs.