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[Chlorinated carbohydrate content of fetal and pediatric organs and tissues]
U Bosse1, N Bannert, K H Niessen
1Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Magdeburg.
Insights
Organic halogens like PCBs and DDT are found in newborn fat tissue and organs. These environmental contaminants can potentially impact early fetal development during sensitive intrauterine stages.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Organic halogens are widely used in pesticides and industry.
- These compounds are known to accumulate in fatty tissues and are transferred via breast milk.
- Previous research indicates the presence of organic halogens in infants, raising concerns about early exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and concentration of specific organic halogens in fetal tissues.
- To determine if common organic halogens can be detected in fetuses and newborns.
- To assess the potential impact of these contaminants on intrauterine development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of subcutaneous fat tissue and various organs (placenta, liver, kidney, lung, brain, thymus, muscle, heart).
- Quantification of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), DDT, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and heptachlor.
- Study included samples from 34 fetuses and deceased infants.
Main Results:
- Organic halogens (PCB, DDT, HCH, heptachlor) were regularly detected in placental tissues.
- These substances were also found in fetal subcutaneous fat tissue and various fetal organs.
- Average concentrations in fetal fat tissue: PCB 0.7 mg/kg, DDT 0.7 mg/kg, HCH 0.14 mg/kg, heptachlor 0.03 mg/kg.
Conclusions:
- The routine presence of organic halogens in fetal tissues indicates widespread exposure.
- These findings suggest a potential risk to sensitive early stages of intrauterine development.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term health implications of fetal exposure to organic halogens.
Abstract:
Organic halogens are used as pesticides and in chemical industries. They are secreted with breast milk and accumulated in fat tissue of infants. Organic halogens can be found already in newborns. We analysed polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), DDT, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and heptachlor in subcutaneous fat tissue and other tissues (placenta, liver, kidney, lung, brain, thymus, muscle, heart) of 34 fetuses and dead children. These substances were found regularly in placenta, in fetal subcutaneous fat tissue and in fetal organs. They therefore can influence possibly early and sensitive stages of intrauterine development. The average concentrations found in fetal fat tissue were: PCB 0.7 mg/kg fat tissue, DDT 0.7 mg/kg, HCH 0.14 mg/kg, and heptachlor 0.03 mg/kg.