“Epidemic” of Premature Births is Increasingly Linked to Air Pollution

"16,000 preterm births a year are linked to fine particulate pollution, costing the US $4.33 billion annually".

"One in 10 babies in the United States is born prematurely, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm birth is the leading cause of death for children under five and is linked to numerous health problems that persist throughout life. Many factors can contribute to preterm birth but air pollution – particularly fine particulate pollution – is increasingly being linked to the incidence of premature birth in the US and elsewhere around the world. According to a study published today in Environmental Health Perspectives, the annual economic costs of the nearly 16,000 premature births linked to air pollution in the US each year has reached $4.33 billion."

Elizabeth Grossman reports for Earth Island Journal March 29, 2016.