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Childhood polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure and neurobehavior in children at 8 years
Ann M Vuong1, Kimberly Yolton2, Changchun Xie3
1Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Insights
Childhood exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is linked to lower IQ and increased behavioral issues. This study found postnatal PBDE exposure negatively impacts children's intelligence and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is linked to reduced IQ and behavioral problems.
- Limited data exist on the effects of postnatal PBDE exposure on child neurodevelopment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between childhood serum polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations and Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ).
- To examine the relationship between postnatal PBDE exposure and externalizing behaviors at age 8.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 208 children in the prospective HOME Study cohort.
- Measured child serum PBDEs at multiple time points (1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 years), estimating missing values via multiple imputation.
- Assessed child intelligence and externalizing behaviors at age 8 using standardized tests (WISC-IV, BASC-2).
Main Results:
- Postnatal PBDE exposure at multiple ages was inversely associated with FSIQ at 8 years.
- Higher concentrations of specific PBDE congeners (e.g., BDE-153) at ages 2, 3, 5, and 8 years correlated with lower FSIQ.
- PBDE congeners measured at age 8 were associated with increased hyperactivity and aggressive behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal exposure to PBDEs is associated with decrements in children's Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient.
- Postnatal PBDE exposure is linked to increased hyperactivity and aggressive behaviors in children.
Background:
Prenatal polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure has been associated with decrements in IQ and increased attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder related behaviors in children; however, data are limited for the role of postnatal exposures.
Objectives:
We investigated the association between a series of childhood PBDE concentrations and Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) and externalizing problems at 8 years.
Methods:
We used data from 208 children in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study, a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort. Child serum PBDEs were measured at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 years; missing serum PBDE concentrations were estimated via multiple imputation. The Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children-IV and the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 was used to assess intelligence and externalizing behavior, respectively, in children at 8 years. We used multiple informant models to estimate associations between repeated lipid-adjusted PBDEs and child neurobehavior and to test for windows of susceptibility.
Results:
Postnatal exposure to PBDE congeners (- 28, - 47, - 99, - 100, and - 153) at multiple ages was inversely associated with FSIQ at 8 years. For instance, a 10-fold increase in BDE-153 concentrations at 2, 3, 5, and 8 years were all related to lower FSIQ at age 8 (β for 3 years: - 7.7-points, 95% CI - 12.5, - 2.9; β for 8 years: - 5.6-points, 95% CI - 10.8, - 0.4). Multiple PBDE congeners at 8 years were associated with increased hyperactivity and aggressive behaviors at 8 years.
Conclusions:
Postnatal PBDE exposure was associated with decrements in FSIQ and increases in hyperactivity and aggressive behaviors.
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