Adverse Health Outcomes From Extreme Heat, Air Pollution, and Medications in Low-Income Pregnant Women and Their Offspring

This study aims to: (1) assess the independent and synergistic effects of extreme heat and prescription opioids and other heat-sensitizing medications on heat-related adverse events in low-income pregnant women; (2) assess the independent and synergistic effects of air pollution, i.e., particulate matter (PM2.5), and medications associated with thromboembolic and bleeding events on these outcomes; and (3) assess the independent and synergistic effects of extreme heat/air pollution and potentially teratogenic medications on the incidence of congenital abnormalities. The results of this study will quantify the effects of extreme heat and air pollution exposure and their potential interactions with medication use in low-income pregnant women while also shedding light on potential mechanisms that confer increased risk to certain individuals. The evidence generated from our study will have a direct impact on shaping adaptation strategies and policies for extreme weather events to protect high-risk pregnant women from the effects of extreme heat and air pollution.