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Louisiana's air pollution linked to higher risk of preterm, low-weight births

News Feed
Monday, March 18, 2024

A recent study finds a significant correlation between Louisiana's toxic air and an increased risk of low-weight and preterm births among its residents.Jessica Kutz reports for The 19th.In short:The study, the first of its kind, analyzed birth outcomes in Louisiana, revealing residents in polluted areas face higher risks of preterm and low-weight births.It utilized birth records and pollution data, showing around a third of low birth weight and half of preterm birth cases annually could be linked to air pollution.The research also highlights disproportionate effects on Black and low-income communities in the most polluted areas.Key quote:"It surprised me what a big proportion of cases was linked to air pollution."— Kimberly Terrell, lead author of the study and research scientist at the Tulane Environmental Law ClinicWhy this matters:Low birth weight, defined as weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (about 2.5 kilograms) at birth, can lead to health complications for newborns, such as difficulty fighting infections, developmental delays, and even increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. Studies have pinpointed that pregnant individuals exposed to high levels of air pollutants, especially fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, are at a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies.Scientists estimate millions of preterm births and underweight newborns worldwide can be attributed to long-term exposure to air pollution.

A recent study finds a significant correlation between Louisiana's toxic air and an increased risk of low-weight and preterm births among its residents.Jessica Kutz reports for The 19th.In short:The study, the first of its kind, analyzed birth outcomes in Louisiana, revealing residents in polluted areas face higher risks of preterm and low-weight births.It utilized birth records and pollution data, showing around a third of low birth weight and half of preterm birth cases annually could be linked to air pollution.The research also highlights disproportionate effects on Black and low-income communities in the most polluted areas.Key quote:"It surprised me what a big proportion of cases was linked to air pollution."— Kimberly Terrell, lead author of the study and research scientist at the Tulane Environmental Law ClinicWhy this matters:Low birth weight, defined as weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (about 2.5 kilograms) at birth, can lead to health complications for newborns, such as difficulty fighting infections, developmental delays, and even increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. Studies have pinpointed that pregnant individuals exposed to high levels of air pollutants, especially fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, are at a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies.Scientists estimate millions of preterm births and underweight newborns worldwide can be attributed to long-term exposure to air pollution.



A recent study finds a significant correlation between Louisiana's toxic air and an increased risk of low-weight and preterm births among its residents.

Jessica Kutz reports for The 19th.

In short:

  • The study, the first of its kind, analyzed birth outcomes in Louisiana, revealing residents in polluted areas face higher risks of preterm and low-weight births.
  • It utilized birth records and pollution data, showing around a third of low birth weight and half of preterm birth cases annually could be linked to air pollution.
  • The research also highlights disproportionate effects on Black and low-income communities in the most polluted areas.

Key quote:

"It surprised me what a big proportion of cases was linked to air pollution."

— Kimberly Terrell, lead author of the study and research scientist at the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic

Why this matters:

Low birth weight, defined as weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (about 2.5 kilograms) at birth, can lead to health complications for newborns, such as difficulty fighting infections, developmental delays, and even increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. Studies have pinpointed that pregnant individuals exposed to high levels of air pollutants, especially fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, are at a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies.

Scientists estimate millions of preterm births and underweight newborns worldwide can be attributed to long-term exposure to air pollution.

Read the full story here.
Photos courtesy of

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