The APBO Project

Durada

03/04/2020 - 31/12/2021

Coordinador

Mònica Guxens (ISGlobal), Rebeca Ramis (ISCIII)

Finançadors

Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)

The overarching aim of the APBO project is to investigate the association between exposure to air pollution and birth outcomes and to estimate the benefits in birth outcomes associated with a reduction of the air pollution levels in Spain. To do so, we will pursue the following specific objectives.

Objectives

1. Objective 1. To assess the relationship between pregnancy-average particulate matter exposure and birthweight, gestational age, low birthweight at term, and preterm birth.
2. Objective 2. To examine critical windows of exposure to particulate matter across the pregnancy period on birthweight, gestational age, low birthweight at term, and preterm birth.
3. Objective 3. To estimate the health impact and the economic value on low birthweight at term and preterm birth attributable to a reduction in particulate matter levels in Spain to meet the EU and WHO guidelines, and the attributable reduction of 15% and 50% for the whole country as the Spanish National Program for Air Pollution sets.
4. Objective 4. To develop a tool to estimate the health and economic impacts associated with air quality changes adapted to the Spanish context.

In summary, data from our study will provide insight into specific critical windows of exposure to air pollution exposure on birth outcomes by using a novel air pollution modeling that provides daily levels in a very fine-scale spatial resolution and a nation-wide birth registry, taking into account the role of health inequalities. Moreover, health impact assessment findings will show the potential birth outcomes-related benefits and economic impact that could be expected if pollution control policies were successfully implemented. Finally, a health impact assessment tool adapted to the Spanish context will be made available for scientists and public health decision-makers.

Total Funding

50,000 €