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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Prenatal polybrominated diphenyl ether exposures and neurodevelopment in U.S. children through 5 years of age: the
Aimin Chen1, Kimberly Yolton, Stephen A Rauch
1Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Insights
Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was linked to reduced child IQ and increased hyperactivity. This study highlights potential neurodevelopmental risks associated with these flame retardants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent flame retardants used in consumer products.
- Widespread use over decades raises concerns about environmental and human exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prenatal PBDE exposure and child cognitive function.
- To examine the relationship between prenatal PBDE exposure and child behavior.
Main Methods:
- Prospective birth cohort study of 309 women and their children.
- Maternal serum PBDE concentrations measured during gestation.
- Child cognitive and behavioral assessments conducted from ages 1 to 5 years.
Main Results:
- Prenatal BDE-47 exposure was not significantly associated with early cognitive or motor development.
- A 10-fold increase in prenatal BDE-47 was associated with a 4.5-point decrease in Full-Scale IQ at age 5.
- Prenatal BDE-47 was associated with a 3.3-point increase in hyperactivity scores at age 5.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal exposure to PBDEs, specifically BDE-47, is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
- Findings suggest a link between PBDE exposure and reduced intelligence and increased hyperactivity.
Background:
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent chemicals that have been widely used as flame retardants in furniture, carpet padding, car seats, and other consumer products during the past three decades.
Objective:
We examined whether in utero exposure to PBDEs is associated with child cognitive function and behavior in a U.S. study sample.
Methods:
In a prospective birth cohort, we measured maternal serum concentrations of BDE-47 and other PBDE congeners in 309 women at 16 weeks of gestation during 2003-2006 and followed their children in Cincinnati, Ohio. We measured cognitive and motor abilities using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II at ages 1, 2, and 3 years; intelligence using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-III at age 5 years; and children's behaviors using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2 annually at ages 2-5 years. We used linear mixed models or generalized estimating equations with adjustment for potential confounders to estimate associations between these outcomes and log10-transformed PBDE concentrations.
Results:
The geometric mean of BDE-47 in maternal serum (20.1 ng/g lipid) was comparable with U.S. adult national reference values. Prenatal BDE-47 was not significantly associated with Bayley Mental or Psychomotor Development Indices at 1-3 years, but a 10-fold increase in prenatal BDE-47 was associated with a 4.5-point decrease (95% CI: -8.8, -0.1) in Full-Scale IQ and a 3.3-point increase (95% CI: 0.3, 6.3) in the hyperactivity score at age 5 years.
Conclusions:
Prenatal exposure to PBDEs was associated with lower IQ and higher hyperactivity scores in children.
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