Carbon monoxide exposure in pregnant women in the UK

Background

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that poses a threat to life at concentrations of just a few hundred ppm. The developing foetus is particularly vulnerable to CO exposure, and maternal exposure to much lower levels of the gas is associated with adverse outcomes such as low birth weight. This study aimed to quantify CO exposure in pregnant women’s homes and assess whether breath CO levels could be linked to home-based CO exposure and sociodemographic factors.

Methods

CO levels were monitored continuously over two weeks in 161 households selected for indicators of lower socio-economic status and proximity to gas appliances, a risk factor for environmental CO exposure. Exhaled breath CO measurements were taken before and after the monitoring period.

Results

Of the households monitored, positive CO readings were detected in 57.8%, with 31.7% recording levels above 4ppm and 14.3% above 10ppm. CO exposure varied significantly across households, with both intermittent and prolonged exposures observed. Six households included in the study exceeded current World Health Organisation recommended limits of 3.5ppm for ≥ 24 h, and three exceeded the limit of 9ppm for ≥ 8 h. Higher CO levels in the household were associated with the use of gas for cooking. Higher exhaled CO levels were associated with number of smokers in the household and eligibility for the UK government NHS Healthy Start scheme. Following the monitoring period, exhaled CO levels were only associated with number of smokers in the household, suggesting an intervention effect.

Conclusions

This study indicates that exposure of pregnant women to CO within the home occurs predominantly within current recommended safe limits, and that exposure is linked to the use of gas appliances, socio-economic factors and smoking. This study highlights the need for improved CO monitoring and mitigation strategies, particularly in vulnerable populations, to protect maternal and foetal health.