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Associations between prenatal exposure to volatile organic compounds and neurodevelopment in 12-month-old children:

Hiroko Nakaoka1, Aya Hisada2, Daisuke Matsuzawa3

  • 1Centre for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan; Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan.

The Science of the Total Environment
|July 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to formaldehyde may increase neurodevelopmental risks in infants. Maternal exposure to this volatile organic compound was linked to delays in problem-solving and social skills in 12-month-olds.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Neurodevelopment
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Rising concerns regarding neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
  • Growing interest in the impact of environmental chemicals on child health.
  • Need to investigate specific chemical exposures during prenatal development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the association between prenatal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
  • To identify specific VOCs that may pose a risk to infant neurodevelopment.
  • To utilize the Japanese version of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (J-ASQ-3) for assessment.

Main Methods:

  • Maternal occupational or environmental exposure data to VOCs during pregnancy.
  • Assessment of child neurodevelopment using the J-ASQ-3 at 12 months of age.
  • Statistical analysis to determine the odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) for neurodevelopmental delays.

Main Results:

  • Maternal exposure to formalin or formaldehyde was associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay.
  • Specific risks identified in problem-solving (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 0.99-3.12) and personal-social skills (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.46-7.55) at 12 months.
  • The study identified a potential link between formaldehyde exposure and specific neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal exposure to formaldehyde may be a risk factor for neurodevelopmental delays in infants.
  • Further research is needed to determine if these effects are reversible or persist beyond 12 months.
  • Preventive strategies should be considered to mitigate potential risks from environmental chemical exposures.

Keywords:
Ages & Stages questionnaireCohort studyFormalin/formaldehydeNeurodevelopmental disorderPrenatal exposure

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