Environmental Exposures and Maternal and Child Health: A Call to Action

Written by: Nora Lopez

Children who grow up in Richmond have higher asthma hospitalization rates than children in other communities in the county (Farnitano, 2018). The aftermath of the 2012 Chevron refinery explosion, just a few miles from my home in Richmond, left my brother hospitalized due to an asthma attack. At that moment, I began to realize the refinery’s impact on our health. It wasn't until later, while pursuing a career in public health, that I fully comprehended the profound impact of environmental exposures on maternal and child health. Now, as a member of the Lead Prevention Branch at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and a Public Health student, I am acutely aware of the urgent need to address environmental hazards such as lead exposure and pollution, particularly in underserved communities.

Lead exposure, in particular, stands out as a pervasive threat to maternal and child health. Despite significant strides in reducing lead exposure over the past few decades, it remains a persistent concern, especially for vulnerable populations. Recent research has shown the irreversible and profound effects of lead exposure on children's development (Goodnough & Parker, 2016). Emerging research highlights the potential links between lead exposure and adverse reproductive outcomes, including miscarriages, prematurity, and low birth rate (Wani et al., 2015). This literature shows the importance of addressing lead exposure not only in children, but also in pregnant people. Implementing measures to prevent lead exposure among these vulnerable populations is crucial to safeguarding maternal and fetal health and ensuring healthy birth outcomes.

Furthermore, industrial air pollution is an important risk factor for adverse birth outcomes (ABO). According to Veber et al., air pollution contributes to low birth weight and preterm birth, with the strongest associations between ABO and air pollution stemming from power plants and petrochemical industries. In communities like the one I grew up in, proximity to industrial facilities and traffic emissions exacerbates the risk of ABO. Yet, despite evidence of its harmful effects, toxic air quality often goes unnoticed and unaddressed, particularly in underserved communities where access to healthcare and resources is limited.

Addressing environmental exposures requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses policy reform, community engagement, and targeted interventions. While efforts to reduce environmental exposures have yielded some success, there is still much work to be done, especially in underserved communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.

One of the key challenges is the lack of research focused on understanding the specific needs of these communities. Existing studies often overlook the complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to disparities in maternal and child health outcomes. As a result, interventions may not effectively address the root causes of environmental exposures or adequately support affected families.

To address this gap, we need greater investment in research that examines the unique challenges faced by underserved communities and develop targeted interventions to mitigate environmental exposures. This includes partnering with various stakeholders such as community organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to implement evidence-based strategies that prioritize equity and justice. Safeguarding maternal and child health requires a collective effort to address the environmental injustices that perpetuate health disparities. By advocating for policies that prioritize environmental justice, investing in research and interventions tailored to underserved communities, and empowering affected families with the resources they need to thrive, we can create healthier communities.

References

Goodnough, Abby, and Diantha Parker. “The Facts about Lead Exposure and Its Irreversible Damage.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 29 Jan. 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/01/30/us/lead-poisoning.html.

Wani, Ab Latif, et al. “Lead Toxicity: A Review.” Interdisciplinary Toxicology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4961898/.

Veber, Triin et al. “Industrial Air Pollution Leads to Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Systematized Review of Different Exposure Metrics and Health Effects in Newborns.” Public health reviews vol. 43 1604775. 10 Aug. 2022, doi:10.3389/phrs.2022.1604775.

Stein, Lauren J et al. “Early childhood adversity potentiates the adverse association between prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure and child IQ: The CHAMACOS cohort.” Neurotoxicology vol. 56 (2016): 180-187. doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2016.07.010.

Farnitano, Chris. Asthma in Contra Costa County Presentation for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability, 24 Sept. 2018.

About the Author

Nora Lopez (she/her) is deeply committed to social justice and healthcare equity, shaped by her upbringing as the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college student in Richmond, CA. This background inspired her to study public health, aiming to understand and address systemic barriers to healthcare access in underserved communities. At UC Berkeley, Nora's involvement in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership Education and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (LEAP) Training Program ignited her passion for MCH advocacy. She contributed to initiatives like Birth by Us, supporting Black women in perinatal care, and the UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBI), addressing birth equity.

As she navigates her pre-medical journey, Nora is driven by the desire to contribute to the betterment of MCAH. Eager to share her experiences and knowledge, Nora is a passionate advocate ready to make a lasting impact on the intersection of healthcare and advocacy. If you are interested in connecting with Nora and learning more about her journey and pursuits in public health, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.