Ecological Study on Air Pollution and Birth Defect in 2006—2010 in Shenyang City

Objectives To analyze the data of birth defect and air quality in Shenyang in 2006―2010, explore the correlation between birth defects and air pollution, and provide a theoretical basis for environmental etiology of birth defect.

Methods Descriptive study method was used to analyze the detection rate of birth defect and air quality status in different years, regions and seasons. The relationship between birth defect and air pollution was analyzed by ecological research method.

Results The detection rate of birth defect in Shenyang in 2006―2010 was statistically different by year, region, sex and season(χ²=289.12, 30.58, 26.77 and 240.88, P < 0.05). The difference of air pollution index(API)based on year, region and season was statistically significant (F=27.34, 189.70 and 391.94; P < 0.05). The detection rate of birth defect increased first and then decreased, which was consistent with the change of air quality. The detection rate of birth defect was significantly higher in heavy polluted areas than that in light polluted areas (χ²=16.23, P < 0.05). The detection rate of birth defect during non-heating period was higher than that in heating period(χ²=91.15, P < 0.05).

Conclusion The detection rate of birth defect in Shenyang was correlated statistically with air pollution in annual, regional and seasonal mode.