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Predictors of Serum Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Concentrations among Children Aged 1-5 Years
Lyndsey A Darrow1, Melanie H Jacobson, Emma V Preston2
1School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada , Reno, Nevada 89557, United States.
Insights
Serum polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in children were linked to socioeconomic status and lower BMI. Handwipe PBDE levels correlated with serum levels, suggesting a potential exposure pathway.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants with known health effects.
- Exposure assessment in young children is crucial due to developmental vulnerabilities.
- Socioeconomic factors and lifestyle may influence PBDE exposure levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum PBDE concentrations and child characteristics.
- To explore the relationship between PBDEs in serum, house dust, and handwipes.
- To identify key predictors of PBDE exposure in young children.
Main Methods:
- Serum PBDEs measured via gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in 80 children (15-71 months).
- Demographic, behavioral, and anthropometric data collected; PBDEs also measured in dust and handwipes for a subset.
- Linear and Tobit regression models used to assess associations with child characteristics and socioeconomic indicators.
Main Results:
- Higher household income was associated with decreased serum PBDE levels (BDE-153 and ∑BDE-47,-99,-100).
- Lower body-mass index (BMI) z-score and household smoking predicted higher BDE-153 levels.
- Serum PBDEs correlated positively with handwipe PBDEs (∑BDE-47,-99,-100), but not with dust PBDEs.
Conclusions:
- Socioeconomic factors and BMI are significant predictors of serum PBDE levels in young children.
- Handwipe PBDE measurements may be a more sensitive indicator of recent exposure than dust.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic status and lifestyle in pediatric PBDE exposure assessments.
Abstract:
Serum concentrations of PBDEs were measured using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in 80 children aged 15-71 months. Demographic and behavioral data were collected on parental questionnaires; a research nurse recorded anthropometric measures and insurance status. For a subset of children (n = 17), PBDEs were measured in house dust and child handwipes sampled during a home visit. In linear and Tobit regression, log-transformed PBDE congeners were modeled as a function of child characteristics, including neighborhood-level socioeconomic indicators. BDE congeners 47, 99, and 100 were highly correlated and summed for analysis; BDE-153 was examined individually. PBDE serum concentrations were associated with socioeconomic factors; for example, a $20,000 increase in median household income in a child's ZIP code was associated with a 34% decrease (95%CI = 14-49%) in BDE-153 and a 26% decrease (95%CI = 6-42%) in ∑BDE-47,-99,-100. Lower body-mass index (BMI) z-score and household smoking were strong predictors of higher BDE-153 levels. Among children who participated in a home visit, serum PBDE was positively correlated with handwipe PBDE (Spearman r ∑BDE-47, -99, -100 = 0.48, p = 0.09), but not dust PBDE. Results indicate socioeconomic factors and BMI are strong predictors of serum PBDE levels among young children. PBDEs measured on handwipes are more predictive of serum PBDE levels than vacuum-collected dust.
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