An Investigation into the Correlation between PM 2.5 and Low Birth Weight Rates in Texas

Studies from countries such as Brazil and the Czech Republic show pregnancy and infant abnormalities relating to an increased concentration of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 in the atmosphere for inhalation by mothers during the second trimester. Texas has been highlighted as one of the United States’ most polluted states due to excess petrochemical and manufacturing facilities, which emit PM 2.5 along with other carcinogens. This study evaluates the impacts of PM 2.5 emissions on the newborn population in Texas by comparing regional emissions data to reported Low Birthweight (LBW) Rates of newborns across Texas. Average PM 2.5 measurements are taken in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m^3) throughout different regions where air monitors are distributed, sorted by county. Low Birth-weight Rates are identified as the average population of reported newborns under 2,500 grams in a given year per county. Furthermore, this study identifies the top PM 2.5 emission sites in Texas throughout the years of 2014-2018 and compares them to trends in their yearly county LBW rate. LBW has been linked to increasing complications with age including diabetes and heart disease. The findings of this study can provide further insight onto whether Texas, who receives one of the highest funding allocations for air quality monitoring and pollution control of any state by the EPA, should redistribute a bulk of its funding from monitoring to preventative measures in PM 2.5 pollution due to harmful links associated with these prenatal inhalants by mothers.