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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
PBDE concentrations in women's serum and fecundability
Kim G Harley1, Amy R Marks, Jonathan Chevrier
1Center for Children's Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|January 28, 2010
Summary
Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants is linked to reduced fertility in women. Higher PBDE levels in pregnant women were associated with longer time to pregnancy, indicating potential impacts on conception.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are common flame retardants with widespread human exposure.
- Animal studies suggest PBDEs may affect reproductive and hormonal health, but human data on fertility is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal serum PBDE concentrations during pregnancy and time to pregnancy.
- To examine the relationship between PBDE exposure and menstrual cycle characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 223 pregnant women in California was studied.
- Serum PBDE levels (BDEs 47, 99, 100, 153) were measured and analyzed.
- Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between PBDEs and time to pregnancy.
Main Results:
- All four measured PBDE congeners were detected in over 97% of participants.
- Increased levels of specific PBDEs (BDE-100, BDE-153) and their sum were significantly associated with longer time to pregnancy.
- No association was found between PBDE exposure and menstrual cycle characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Maternal exposure to PBDEs is associated with decreased fecundability in women.
- Further research is necessary to confirm these findings on PBDEs and human fertility.
