Author correction: Association between exposure to particulate matter during pregnancy and birthweight: A systematic review and a meta-analysis of birth cohort studies.

Abstract

The effect of prenatal exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) on birth weight varies considerably across studies, and the findings remain inconclusive. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the associations between exposure to PM _2.5 and PM ₁₀ and birth weight. A total of 74 studies were identified through searches in Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Ovid Medline, as well as manual searches, up to October 2024. We found that for each 10 μg/m³ increase in PM _2.5, the risk of low birth weight (LBW) increased significantly during the entire pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99-2.91) and in all trimesters. Similarly, for every 10 μg/m³ increase in PM ₁₀ concentration, the risk of LBW increased significantly during the entire pregnancy (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16-1.84). Subgroup analysis by maternal age for PM _2.5 showed that mothers aged 30 and above had a significantly higher risk of LBW (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 2.81-4.84), compared with those under 30. In conclusion, maternal exposure to PM _2.5 and PM ₁₀ is associated with an increased risk of LBW across all trimesters. Additionally, mothers aged 30 and above are at a higher risk of LBW, compared with younger mothers. Further research is needed to clarify the biological mechanisms by which PM pollution may contribute to LBW.