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PCB concentrations in women based on breastfeeding history: NHANES 2001-2004
Cecilia S Alcala1, Linda J Phillips2
1Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Fellow, assigned to US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington DC, USA.
Insights
Breastfeeding significantly reduces serum polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in women of reproductive age. Women who breastfed had lower PCB levels, supporting the hypothesis of PCB depuration through lactation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants with potential adverse health effects.
- Exposure to PCBs can occur through various environmental pathways.
- Understanding PCB levels in women of reproductive age is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between breastfeeding history and serum PCB concentrations in women of reproductive age.
- To investigate if breastfeeding contributes to the reduction of body burdens of PCBs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
- Analyzed serum concentrations of specific PCBs (138, 153, 180) in women aged 15-44.
- Correlated PCB levels with self-reported breastfeeding history and number of children breastfed.
Main Results:
- Women with a history of breastfeeding exhibited significantly lower serum PCB concentrations compared to non-breastfeeding women.
- Mean serum concentrations of PCBs 138, 153, and 180 were substantially lower in women who breastfed.
- Higher parity (more children breastfed) was associated with even lower PCB levels.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding appears to be an effective route for the depuration of PCBs from the body.
- Findings support the hypothesis that lactation contributes to reducing the body burden of persistent organic pollutants like PCBs.
- Public health recommendations may benefit from considering the role of breastfeeding in mitigating exposure to environmental contaminants.
Abstract:
Data from the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to evaluate serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in women of reproductive age, with or without a history of breastfeeding. Analytical data for PCBs 138, 153, and 180 were used along with responses to the NHANES Reproductive Health questions: [Have you] breastfed any of your children? " and "[What] number of children [have been] breastfed [for] at least 1 month? " PCB concentrations were found to be significantly lower among 15-44 year old women who had a history of breastfeeding compared to those who had not breastfed any of their children. Based on data for 474 women, ages 15-44 years, mean serum PCB 138, 153, and 180 concentrations were 16.4, 21.4, and 14.3ng/g lipid for women who have a history of breastfeeding, and 24.0, 30.0, and 21.4ng/g lipid for women who have not breastfed, respectively. These results were weighted using the 2001-2004 sample weights provided by NHANES to represent over 27 million U.S. women. PCB concentrations were also lower among women who had breastfed multiple children. Mean serum PCB 138, 153, and 180 concentrations were 11.8, 15.2, and 10.1ng/g lipid, respectively, for women 35-44 years who had breastfed six children and 22.7, 31.9, and 22.5ng/g lipid, respectively, for women 35-44 years who had breastfed only one child. The results tend to support the long-standing hypothesis that depuration of PCBs may occur via breastfeeding.
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