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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
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Bisphenol A exposure is associated with decreased lung function

Adam J Spanier1, Elizabeth K Fiorino2, Leonardo Trasande3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Penn State University, Hershey, PA; Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State University, Hershey, PA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|March 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure in children was linked to reduced small airway function and indicators of pulmonary obstruction. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential reverse causality.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with widespread human exposure.
  • Potential adverse effects of BPA on respiratory health in children are not fully understood.
  • Lung function and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) are key indicators of respiratory health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between urinary BPA concentrations and lung function measures in US children.
  • To examine the relationship between BPA exposure and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in pediatric populations.
  • To assess potential impacts of BPA on small airway function and overall pulmonary obstruction.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional analysis of 661 US children aged 6-19 years from the 2007-2010 NHANES.
  • Urinary BPA concentration was measured as a biomarker of exposure.
  • Lung function (FEV1, FVC, FEF2575, FEV1/FVC) and FeNO were assessed and analyzed in relation to BPA levels.

Main Results:

  • Higher urinary BPA concentrations were significantly associated with decreased percent predicted forced expiratory flow 25%-75% (%FEF2575) and percent predicted FEV1/FVC.
  • Children in the highest quartile of BPA exposure showed a 10% decrease in %FEF2575 and a 3% decrease in %FEV1/FVC compared to the lowest quartile.
  • No significant associations were found between BPA exposure and percent predicted FEV1, percent predicted FVC, or FeNO.

Conclusions:

  • BPA exposure in children is associated with modest reductions in small airway function (%FEF2575) and indicators of pulmonary obstruction (%FEV1/FVC).
  • The findings suggest a potential impact of BPA on specific aspects of lung health in children.
  • The possibility of reverse causality cannot be excluded, warranting further longitudinal investigation.
Abstract

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