Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Assessment of the Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on the Development of Vertebrate Neural Network Function Using Multi-electrode Arrays
08:28

Assessment of the Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on the Development of Vertebrate Neural Network Function Using Multi-electrode Arrays

Published on: April 26, 2018

Effects of perinatal polychlorinated biphenyls and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene on later development

B C Gladen1, W J Rogan

  • 1Statistics and Biomathematics Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|July 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Early developmental effects from perinatal polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE) exposure did not persist into later childhood. Cognitive and academic outcomes showed no significant impact in this longitudinal study.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Perinatal exposure to environmental contaminants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE) raises concerns for long-term developmental effects.
  • Previous studies indicated potential neurodevelopmental deficits in early childhood following such exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if early developmental effects observed in children exposed perinatally to PCBs or DDE persist into later childhood.
  • To assess the long-term impact of prenatal and postnatal PCB/DDE exposure on cognitive and academic performance.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal cohort study followed 859 children from birth to ages 5 1/2 to 10 1/2 years.
  • Cognitive assessments using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities were conducted at ages 3, 4, and 5 years.
  • Academic performance was evaluated through report card grades.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant effects of transplacental or breast-feeding exposure to PCBs or DDE were found on McCarthy Scales scores at ages 3, 4, or 5 years.
  • No significant relationship was observed between PCB or DDE exposure and poorer academic grades.

Conclusions:

  • Early developmental deficits identified in infancy using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development were no longer apparent in later childhood.
  • This study suggests that perinatal exposure to PCBs and DDE does not lead to persistent cognitive or academic impairments in the studied age range.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants07:08

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants

Published on: March 6, 2018

Using Chicken Embryo as a Powerful Tool in Assessment of Developmental Cardiotoxicities11:00

Using Chicken Embryo as a Powerful Tool in Assessment of Developmental Cardiotoxicities

Published on: March 21, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.