The risk of pre-eclampsia is associated with exposure to particulate air pollution, especially brake dust and combined traffic-related matter, according to a study of pregnant women in Barcelona.
During the entire pregnancy there was a 44% and an 80% increase in the risk of pre-eclampsia associated with one interquartile range increase in exposure to brake dust and combined traffic-related sources respectively.
Dadvand P et al (2014). “Particulate air pollution and pre-eclampsia: a source-based analysis”. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, first published online 28 March.
