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Updated: May 24, 2026
07:08
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Racial disparity in maternal and fetal-cord bisphenol A concentrations
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. unal@musc.edu
Summary
Racial and ethnic differences in bisphenol A (BPA) levels were observed in maternal and fetal cord serum. African-Americans had significantly higher maternal BPA, while Hispanics showed higher fetal BPA concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with widespread human exposure.
- Understanding racial and ethnic disparities in BPA exposure is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and fetal cord serum concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA).
Main Methods:
- A nested cross-sectional study analyzed BPA levels in maternal and fetal cord serum from 27 term nulliparas.
- Participants included Caucasian, African-American, and Hispanic women.
Main Results:
- African-Americans exhibited significantly higher maternal serum BPA concentrations (10-fold) compared to Caucasians.
- Hispanics showed intermediate maternal BPA levels and significantly higher fetal cord serum BPA concentrations compared to non-Hispanics.
- Overall, maternal serum BPA concentrations were 10-fold higher than fetal cord serum BPA concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Significant racial/ethnic differences exist in both maternal and fetal BPA concentrations.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate whether these disparities stem from differences in exposure, metabolism, or placental transfer.
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