A Randomized Air Filter Intervention Study of Air Pollution and Fetal Growth in a Highly Polluted Community

A Randomized Air Filter Intervention Study of Air Pollution and Fetal Growth in a Highly Polluted Community

The purpose of this study is to use an air filter intervention to evaluate the relationship between particulate matter air pollution exposure during pregnancy and fetal growth. We hypothesize that: 1) portable high efficiency air (HEPA) filters will produce major reductions in home indoor concentrations of particulate matter and 2) pregnant women whose exposures to particulate matter are reduced by this intervention will give birth to children with greater mean body weight for gestational age.

In an extended follow-up of this cohort, we aim to evaluate the relationship between use of portable air purifiers during pregnancy and the growth and development of children from birth to age four years. In particular, the follow-up study will focus on children's physical growth, respiratory symptoms, and behavioral, social and neurocognitive development.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult (>18 years)
• Pregnant woman in first trimester (<14 weeks)
• Single gestation pregnancy
• Non-smoker

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiple-gestation pregnancy
• Current smoker
• Currently operating an air filter in the home
• Currently living in a ger (traditional Mongolian felt-lined yurt)
• Plan to give birth outside of a hospital or clinic in Ulaanbaatar