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Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Lactational exposure of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and its association with infant developmental measurements
Jialin Li1, Wenjuan Ma2, Yingya Zhao1
1Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Insights
Lactational polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure impacts early infant growth, particularly in fetal growth restriction (FGR) boys. Breastfeeding recommendations should consider PBDE contamination levels for infant health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants found in consumer products.
- Lactational exposure to PBDEs is a potential concern for infant development.
- Fetal growth restriction (FGR) may alter an infant's susceptibility to environmental toxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lactational PBDE exposure and early physical development in healthy and FGR infants.
- To identify specific PBDE congeners that may affect infant growth parameters.
Main Methods:
- Calculation of Z scores for head circumference, length, weight, and weight-for-length based on WHO standards.
- Comparison of PBDE exposure levels and growth trajectories between healthy and FGR infants.
- Statistical analysis to determine the association between PBDE congener levels and growth parameters in boys and girls.
Main Results:
- FGR infants exhibited higher PBDE exposure and faster growth rates from 42 days to 6 months.
- PBDE exposure negatively associated with head circumference in FGR boys.
- Specific PBDEs (BDE153, BDE196) correlated with length in FGR boys.
- BDE154 exposure linked to increased weight in healthy boys.
- No significant associations were observed in girls.
Conclusions:
- Lactational PBDE exposure affects early physical development in both healthy and FGR infants.
- The impact of PBDEs on growth appears to be sex-specific.
- Breastfeeding promotion should be balanced with awareness of PBDE contamination risks.
Abstract:
This study was designed to assess the effect of lactational polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure on early physical development of both healthy and fetal growth restriction (FGR) infants. Z scores of head circumference-for-age (ZHC), length-for-age (ZLEN), weight-for-age (ZWEI) and weight-for-length (ZWFL) were calculated according to the WHO Child Growth Standards. FGR infants had a higher PBDE exposure level and faster growth speed from 42 days to 6 months compared with healthy infants. Exposure of lower brominated BDEs (BDE28∼154) and the sum of 18 BDE congeners (BDE28∼209) negatively associated with ZHC [mean difference estimate (95 % CI): -0.71 (-1.22, -0.22) and -0.81 (-1.31, -0.33)] in FGR boys. Both BDE153 and BDE196 exposure had a significant correlation with ZLEN of boys in FGR group [mean difference estimate (95 % CI): -0.28 (-0.48, -0.07) and -0.52 (-0.91, -0.14)]. Each 10 ng/g lipid increase in the concentrations of BDE154 were respectively associated with 0.16 increase in ZWEI among boys in healthy group. No significant association was found in girls. Lactational PBDE exposure had effects on the early growth of both FGR and healthy infants. The encouragement of breastfeeding should therefore be considered in conjunction with PBDE contamination levels.
