Prenatal exposure to airborne polychlorinated biphenyl congeners and male lung function

Lower-chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (LC-PCBs) can evaporate from original materials in older buildings and be inhaled by inhabitants. Prenatal exposure to LC-PCBs may interfere with fetal lung development, with consequences for adult lung function.

Determine the effect of prenatal LC-PCB exposure on adult lung function.

We included 184 adult males whose mothers lived in two partially LC-PCB contaminated residential areas leading up to their pregnancy. Spirometry assessed forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Z-scores standardized measurements. Associations were estimated using linear regression, with subsequent smoking stratification.

Prenatally exposed individuals (n = 72) had 120 mL lower FEV₁ (95 % CI: -280, 30) and 120 mL lower FVC (95 % CI: -310, 70) compared to unexposed individuals. Responses were intensified in ever smokers, and absent in never smokers.

Prenatal LC-PCBs exposure may reduce lung function in adult males, with later smoking potentially enhancing susceptibility.