Examining the Impact of Environmental Factors on the Risk of Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may be influenced by prenatal environmental exposures, such as air pollution (PM₂.₅), greenspaces, and active living environments (ALE). Methods: Cohort data from health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada were linked to air pollution (PM₂.₅) components, PM₂.₅) mass, O₃, and NO₂), greenspace (normalized difference vegetation index and green view index), and active living environment data (park proximity and Can-ALE) based on six-digit residential postal codes. Results: Exposure to PM₂.₅) component of sulfate (SO₄) during early gestation was associated with an increased risk of CP, while closer residential proximity to parks was linked to a decreased risk. No significant associations were observed for other pollutants or greenspace metrics. Conclusions: Adverse and protective environmental influences were identified in relation to CP risk in this thesis. These findings highlight the need for further investigation on how specific environmental exposures during pregnancy may contribute to CP risk.