Environmental Chemicals and Maternal Depression During and After Pregnancy: a Scoping Review

There is increasing evidence that several environmental exposures may pose a risk for depression, including maternal depression. We conducted a scoping review of epidemiological evidence regarding maternal exposure to environmental chemicals and perinatal depression.

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Dimensions, and Scopus, and summarized the findings from 27 articles that examined environmental chemical exposures and maternal depression. Studies of ambient air pollutants (N = 11) showed exposure to NO₂ and PM₁₀ to be most consistently associated with antenatal or postnatal depression. Studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates (n = 6), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, n = 6), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE, n = 3), organophosphate esters flame retardants (OPE, n = 2), and pesticides (n = 1), reported positive links with maternal depression, particularly from exposures to phthalates and PBDE. Studies of the individual and mixture of metals (n = 3) have reported mixed results. Maternal exposures to certain airborne pollutants, and chemicals from contaminated household products and food sources, are associated with maternal depression. If these findings are confirmed, reducing environmental risks may represent a promising strategy for the primary prevention of maternal depression.