Grant renewal focuses on Superfund impact on preterm births

Summary: Baylor College of Medicine just received a $15 million grant to study how toxic pollution affects pregnant women and their babies. Houston has over 20 "Superfund" sites, which are areas highly contaminated with industrial waste. Pregnant women living near these sites are exposed to dangerous chemicals that can cause babies to be born too early (preterm) and develop serious lung problems.

In Harris County, the preterm birth rate is 12%, which is higher than the national average. Researchers are now testing 3,000 local women to see how these chemicals show up in their blood, placentas, and even breast milk. The goal is to find ways to protect mothers and babies from this environmental danger.

For more details, see rssapp-bcm-edu-news at bcm.edu/news/grant-renewal-focuses-on-superfund-impact-on-preterm-births (opens in new tab)