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Associations between prenatal and childhood PBDE exposure and early adolescent visual, verbal and working memory

Whitney J Cowell1, Amy Margolis2, Virginia A Rauh3

  • 1Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.

Environment International
|May 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal and childhood exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants is linked to poorer memory in children. Reducing exposure in pregnant women and children is crucial for cognitive development.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Prenatal and childhood exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants is a growing concern.
  • Previous studies suggest an inverse association between PBDE exposure and cognitive performance.
  • Limited research has measured PBDE concentrations across both prenatal and postnatal periods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between prenatal and childhood plasma PBDE concentrations and memory outcomes in children.
  • To investigate sex-specific differences in the association between PBDE exposure and memory.
  • To explore exposure trajectories and their impact on memory development.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed prenatal (cord) and childhood (ages 2-9 years) plasma PBDE concentrations in 212 children.
  • Utilized multivariable linear regression and latent class growth analysis to analyze PBDE exposure and memory test results (ages 9-14 years).
  • Examined interactions between PBDE exposure and sex.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal PBDE exposure was inversely associated with working memory, specifically in girls.
  • Sustained high PBDE concentrations (BDE-47, 99, 100) across childhood were linked to lower visual memory scores.
  • PBDE concentrations peaking in toddlerhood showed non-significant positive associations with verbal memory.

Conclusions:

  • PBDE exposure during prenatal and postnatal periods may negatively impact memory development in early adolescence.
  • Findings support the developmental neurotoxicity of PBDEs.
  • Highlights the importance of reducing PBDE exposure in pregnant women and children.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildhoodFlame retardantMemoryPBDEPrenatalTrajectory

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