Prenatal and postnatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and childhood cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested a possible link between traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and the risk of childhood cancers, though findings remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the association between TRAP exposure and childhood cancer risk, focusing on prenatal and postnatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and benzene. Peer-reviewed manuscripts were identified through PubMed (n = 1,116), Web of Science (n = 578), and Cochrane Library (n = 163) databases through June 21, 2024. Five reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility. A meta-analysis was conducted, with subgroup analyses based on exposure period (prenatal vs. postnatal) and age group. Results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and NO2 exposure, and per 1 μg/m3 increase in benzene exposure. Of 1,632 studies screened after duplicate removal, 25 met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated an elevated risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children exposed to PM2.5 (OR: 1.29, 95 % CI: 1.01-1.63; 5 studies; I2 = 72.1 %), and increased risks of all childhood cancers (OR: 1.12, 95 % CI: 1.02-1.22; 4 studies; I2 = 0.0 %) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML, OR: 1.22, 95 % CI: 1.02-1.46; 4 studies; I2 = 0.0 %) associated with benzene exposure. PM2.5 exposure was also associated with a higher risk of retinoblastoma (OR: 1.68, 95…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,116 participants or records.
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