A one of its kind study has uncovered the significant role that environmental pollution and healthcare disparities play in the prevalence of congenital heart defects in Mexico.
Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects worldwide and the second leading cause of death among Mexican children under five.
The study, “Assessing Environmental Justice in Mexico: How Polluting Industries and Healthcare Disparities Impact Congenital Heart Defects” analyzed data from 2,446 Mexican municipalities spanning from 2008 to 2019. It revealed that exposure to industrial pollutants was significantly associated with increased congenital heart defects cases.
Other Key Findings Include:
- A lack of healthcare infrastructure further exacerbated health disparities in affected communities.
- The data suggests that structural inequities disproportionately expose socially vulnerable populations to harmful environmental conditions.
The study, which was published in the journal Birth Defects Research, underscores the need for targeted policies aimed at reducing industrial pollution and improving healthcare access in underserved areas.
Lead researcher Maria Jose Talayero Schettino is a postdoctoral researcher at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Global Health. She is available to provide insight on this study.
If you would like to schedule an interview with Maria Jose Talayero Schettino, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, [email protected].
-GW-