Relationship between concentration of inhaled pollutants, Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide and spontaneous abortion

Living in polluted areas could be considered a risk factor for preterm labor and low birth weight. Few studies examined the association between air pollution and abortion. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between ambient air pollutant and rate of spontaneous abortion. This study was a case-control research conducted on 148 cases of spontaneous abortion (case group) and 148 pregnant women (control group). Samples were collected randomly from 10 hospitals in Tehran in 2011. The correlation between spontaneous abortion and air pollution was investigated by the SPSS software using independent sample t-test, multiple and linear regression models and also Arc View geospatial information system (GIS) software using circular buffer. The mean of environmental sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide concentration in case group (35.91±20/46, 49.62±19.87) was significantly higher than that of the control group (29.1±11.11, 45.67±13.2) (p=0.000, p=o.o45). Also it was determined that the rate of abortion was higher in those living within 100 meters of the highways. According to the findings of this study it seems that air pollution and living near crowded areas threaten the health of pregnant women and fetus. Thus, it is suggested to present necessary training about the hazardous effects of air pollution on pregnancy of women residing in crowded areas of city and also to adopt ways to reduce these pollutions.