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Updated: Aug 26, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Prenatal occupational exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds and birthweight: findings from a pilot study using
Samantha Fisher1, Brian Pavilonis2, Homero Harari3
1CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate prenatal exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) using meconium analysis and assess associations with newborn birthweight.
Methods:
We analyzed meconium from 74 mother-infant dyads in two New York City public hospitals for 20 QACs using UPLC-MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified exposure patterns, and logistic regression assessed associations between PCA scores and birthweight at or below the 25th percentile, adjusting for maternal education and other factors.
Results:
QACs were detected in over 99% of samples; C14-BAC was most prevalent. PCA revealed four components; PC1. represented the cumulative QACs burden. Higher PC1 scores were associated with increased odds of reduced birthweight (adjusted OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.02-1.58). Lower maternal education was also associated with decreased birthweight. Teachers had the highest PC1 scores, suggesting occupational exposure.
Conclusions:
Prenatal QACs exposure is widespread and may be linked to reduced birthweight. Occupational settings may contribute significantly to exposure, and disinfection practices should be reevaluated.
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