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Maternal exposure to brominated flame retardants and infant Apgar scores
Metrecia L Terrell1, Kathleen P Hartnett1, Hyeyeun Lim2
1Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Insights
Maternal exposure to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) during pregnancy was linked to lower infant Apgar scores. This study highlights the risks of in utero exposure to brominated flame retardants and their impact on newborn health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Persistent organic pollutants, including brominated flame retardants (BFRs), are linked to adverse health effects.
- Developing fetuses may be particularly vulnerable to these toxic exposures.
- Previous research suggests potential links between BFRs and negative health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between in utero exposure to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and infant Apgar scores.
- To assess the dose-response relationship between maternal PBB levels and infant health at birth.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 330 Michigan women with 613 offspring, exposed to PBBs via contaminated food.
- Maternal serum PBB and PCB concentrations were measured at enrollment.
- Estimated PBB concentrations at conception using a validated elimination model.
- Infant Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were obtained from birth certificates.
Main Results:
- Maternal PCB concentrations were not associated with below-median Apgar scores.
- Maternal PBB exposure showed a dose-related increase in the odds of below-median Apgar scores at both 1 and 5 minutes.
- Infants of mothers with PBB levels ≥1 ppb at conception had significantly higher odds of below-median Apgar scores.
Conclusions:
- In utero exposure to PBBs is associated with adverse infant health outcomes, as indicated by lower Apgar scores.
- The findings underscore the critical need for further research into the effects of in utero exposure to brominated compounds on infant health.
- Public health strategies should consider the risks posed by environmental contaminants during pregnancy.
Abstract:
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and other persistent organic pollutants have been associated with adverse health outcomes in humans and may be particularly toxic to the developing fetus. We investigated the association between in utero polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposures and infant Apgar scores in a cohort of Michigan residents exposed to PBB through contaminated food after an industrial accident. PBB and PCB concentrations were measured in serum at the time the women were enrolled in the cohort. PBB concentrations were also estimated at the time of conception for each pregnancy using a validated elimination model. Apgar scores, a universal measure of infant health at birth, measured at 1 and 5min, were taken from birth certificates for 613 offspring born to 330 women. Maternal PCB concentrations at enrollment were not associated with below-median Apgar scores in this cohort. However, maternal PBB exposure was associated with a dose-related increase in the odds of a below-median Apgar score at 1min and 5min. Among infants whose mothers had an estimated PBB at conception above the limit of detection of 1 part per billion (ppb) to <2.5ppb, the odds ratio=2.32 (95% CI: 1.22-4.40); for those with PBB⩾2.5ppb the OR=2.62 (95% CI: 1.38-4.96; test for trend p<0.01). Likewise, the odds of a below-median 5min Apgar score increased with higher maternal PBB at conception. It remains critical that future studies examine possible relationships between in utero exposures to brominated compounds and adverse health outcomes.
