[The results of an epidemiological study of congenital developmental defects in children in cities with different levels of atmospheric pollution]

Abstract

In 1984-1987 a genetic monitoring of congenital malformations (CM) was carried out in children in three towns of the Ukraine, which showed different air pollution levels. In addition to the official information on the total incidence of CM detected in maternity hospitals, the data on 18 cases of CM selected for the genetic monitoring were analysed. Each CM case and cases with normal labors were recorded in special cards taking into account all the known causes and conditions for malformations. The findings were analysed by one- and two-dimensional statistical methods. It is concluded that the rate of mutation in the polluted town is increased and there is its relationship both to the total emission of pollutants and to mutagen uptake.