O-111 EFFECT OF EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION DURING PREGNANCY ON ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF NEWBORNS IN SEME-KPODJI IN BENIN

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Air pollution is a real public health problem. In Africa, few studies have been published on the effect of air pollutants on anthropometric measurements of the newborn child. Objective Assess the effects of exposure to carbon monoxide and particles matter during pregnancy on newborn measurements. Methods This, is a prospective cohort, conducted over 8-month period at SÈMÈ KPODJI. Data collection was based on two questionnaires, the measurement of carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter levels using EL-USB-CO ® individual recorders, and MICROPEMS® in 85 pregnant women, followed by the measurement of anthropometric data from their newborn babies. Results The majority of pregnant women used solid fuels (wood, charcoal) for cooking (94.1%) and was exposed to smoke from the combustion of mosquito waste and spirals (75.3% and 69.4%). The average concentration of particles matter in the air breathed by pregnant women was doubly high compared to the standards recommended by WHO, while that of carbon monoxide met them. A significant reduction in birth weight was associated with a unit increase in PM2.5 and carbon monoxide respectively -16.71 g[-21.23;-10.49] and -8.19g[-14.53;-3.56]. A significant reduction in chest circumference of -0.19cm [-0.37;-0.01] is associated with fine particles but not with carbon monoxide. Body size and head perimeter are not significantly associated with exposure to fine particulate matter or CO. Discussion and conclusion exposure to fine particles and carbon monoxide during pregnancy negatively influences the anthropometric measurements of the newborn. It seems obvious that measures must be taken to reduce pregnant women’s exposure to air pollution. Further studies are needed.