Sociodemographic, reproductive and dietary predictors of organochlorine compounds levels in pregnant women in Spain

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in adipose tissue of women from Grand Tunis and their association with demographic factors and dietary habits

Dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychloronated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in 25 woman adipose tissues collected in 2016 from Grand Tunis, Tunisia. p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, HCB and β-HCH were the dominant organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in decreasing order in all samples. The total OCP levels varied from 79 to 343 ng g-1 lipid with a median value of 189 ng g-1 lipid and DDTs contributed approximately 88% to sum OCP. The ratio of p,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDE across all samples is below one, which suggests mainly historic exposure but may indicate some recent exposure to the banned pesticide. The median concentration of PCBs was 109 ng g-1 lipid and ranged between 27 and 204 ng g-1 lipid. PCB-153, PCB-180, PCB-138 and PCB-170 were the most abundant congeners, which contributed about 78% of the total PCBs. Spearman analysis showed that dominant organochlorine compounds (OCs) are highly positive correlated except for PCB-28/31, indicating that women from Tunis are exposed via similar routes. Inhalation exposure could be a possible pathway for the uptake of the less chlorinated congeners. We found positive and statistically significant association with subjects age for HCB (r = 0.517; p = 0.009) and PCBs (r = 0.65; p = 0.001) levels and a weak age-dependent accumulation was found for HCHs (r = 0.375; p = 0.065) and DDTs (r = 0.388; p = 0.056). The concentrations of OC subgroups were not associated with BMI, parity and residence. No association was observed between fish, red/white meat, milk and dairy products consumption and levels of HCB, HCHs and PCBs. DDTs levels were significantly correlated only with milk (p = 0.048) and milk products (p = 0.047) intake.

Exposure profiles in pregnant women from a birth cohort in a highly contaminated area of southern Italy

Protecting the health of pregnant women from environmental stressors is crucial for reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. In industrially contaminated sites, this action is particularly challenging due to the heterogeneous pollutant mixtures in environmental matrices. The aim of this study was to evaluate distribution patterns of mercury, hexachlorobenzene and polychlorobiphenyls in the serum of 161 pregnant women recruited in the framework of the Neonatal Environment and Health Outcomes (NEHO) cohort and living both inside and outside the National Priority Contaminated Site (NPCS) of Priolo. Food macro-categories were determined, and serum levels of contaminants were used to perform k-means cluster analysis and identify the role of food in pollutant transfer from the environment. Two groups of mothers with high and low measured pollutant levels were distinguished. Concentrations in mothers in the high-exposure cluster were at least twofold for all the evaluated pollutants (p < 0.0001) and included mothers living inside and outside NPCS, with a predominance of individuals from the NPCS (p = 0.045). Fish consumption was higher in the high-exposure cluster (p = 0.019). These findings suggest a link between contamination of environmental matrices such as sediment with maternal exposure, through the intake of local food. Such consideration appears poorly investigated in the context of contaminated sites.

Exposure of the general French population to herbicides, pyrethroids, organophosphates, organochlorines, and carbamate pesticides in 2014-2016: Results from the Esteban study

Esteban is a nationwide cross-sectional study conducted in France in 2014-2016, including 2503 adults aged 18-74 years old and 1104 children aged 6-17 years old, as part of the French Human Biomonitoring programme. The present paper describes the biological levels of five families of pesticides analysed on random sub-samples of 900 adults and 500 children for urine concentrations, and 759 adults and 255 children for serum concentrations, and the determinants of exposure. Organophosphates, carbamates and herbicides were measured in urine by UPLC-MS/MS; chlorophenols and pyrethroids were measured in urine by GC-MS/MS; specific organochlorines were measured in serum by GC-HRMS. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the determinants of exposure using a generalized linear model. Pyrethroid metabolites were quantified in 99% of adults and children, with the exeption of F-PBA, which was quantified in 31% of adults and 27% of children, respectively. Carbamates and some specific organophosphates were barely or not quantified. DMTP was quantified in 82% of adults and 93% of children, and γ-HCH (lindane) was quantified in almost 50% of adults and children. Concentration levels of pesticide biomarkers were consistent with comparable international studies, except for β-HCH, DMTP, and the deltamethrin metabolite Br2CA, whose levels were sometimes higher in France. Household insecticide use and smoking were also associated with higher levels of pyrethroids. All pyrethroids concentration levels were below existing health-based HBM guidance values, HBM-GVsGenPop, except for 3-PBA, for which approximately 1% and 10% of children were above the lower and upper urine threshold values of 22 μg/L and 6.4 μg/L, respectively. Esteban provides a French nationwide description of 70 pesticide biomarkers for the first time in children. It also describes some pesticide biomarkers for the first time in adults, including glyphosate and AMPA. For the latter, urine concentration levels were overall higher in children than in adults. Our results highlight a possible beneficial impact of existing regulations on adult exposure to organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides between 2006 and 2016, as concentration levels decreased over this period.

Nutritional Modulation of Associations between Prenatal Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants and Childhood Obesity: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may contribute to the development of childhood obesity and metabolic disorders. However, little is known about whether the maternal nutritional status during pregnancy can modulate these associations.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective was to characterize the joint associations and interactions between prenatal levels of POPs and nutrients on childhood obesity.

METHODS

We used data from to the Spanish INfancia y Medio Ambiente-Environment and Childhood (INMA) birth cohort, on POPs and nutritional biomarkers measured in maternal blood collected at the first trimester of pregnancy and child anthropometric measurements at 7 years of age. Six organochlorine compounds (OCs) [dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) and polychlorinated biphenyls 138, 153, 180] and four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were measured. Nutrients included vitamins (D, B12, and folate), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and dietary carotenoids. Two POPs-nutrients mixtures data sets were established: a) OCs, PFAS, vitamins, and carotenoids (n=660), and b) OCs, PUFAs, and vitamins (n=558). Joint associations of mixtures on obesity were characterized using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Relative importance of biomarkers and two-way interactions were identified using gradient boosting machine, hierarchical group lasso regularization, and BKMR. Interactions were further characterized using multivariate regression models in the multiplicative and additive scale.

RESULTS

Forty percent of children had overweight or obesity. We observed a positive overall joint association of both POPs-nutrients mixtures on overweight/obesity risk, with HCB and vitamin B12 the biomarkers contributing the most. Recurrent interactions were found between HCB and vitamin B12 across screening models. Relative risk for a natural log increase of HCB was 1.31 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.54, pInteraction=0.02) in the tertile 2 of vitamin B12 and in the additive scale a relative excess risk due to interaction of 0.11 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.20) was found. Interaction between perfluorooctane sulfonate and β-cryptoxanthin suggested a protective effect of the antioxidant on overweight/obesity risk.

CONCLUSION

These results support that maternal nutritional status may modulate the effect of prenatal exposure to POPs on childhood overweight/obesity. These findings may help to develop a biological hypothesis for future toxicological studies and to better interpret inconsistent findings in epidemiological studies. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11258.

Effect of Gestational Pesticide Exposure on the Child's Respiratory System: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

In recent years, concern has arisen worldwide about the potential adverse effects that could result from early-life exposure to pesticides. Asthma, bronchitis, and persistent cough in children have been linked to gestational exposure to pesticides. The respiratory effects of gestational exposure to pesticides are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between pesticide exposure in pregnant women and its effect on the respiratory system of their children.

METHODS

A narrative review was carried out by means of a search in the main databases.

RESULTS

Findings of studies confirmed the effects of pesticides on the child's health. These substances cross the placenta and become transmitters of exposure to the individual at the most sensitive stage of her development.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic exposure to pesticides in fetuses is associated with chronic respiratory symptoms and disease.

Evaluation of the persistent organic pollutants association with type 2 diabetes: A prospective study from Karachi, Pakistan

The aim of this study is to determine the association between environmental organic pollutants with type 2 diabetes. This prospective study was conducted in Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) Gulshan-e-Iqbal Campus Karachi in duration from January 2016 to June 2017. This study was ethically approved from the Institutional Review Board of FUUAST. The study included 50 male and female convenient subjects with type 2 diabetes. Subject with other type of diabetes was excluded. Consent was obtained by each individual. Self-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The comparative results suggest that the maximum level of summation polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) mean value was found in age group 27-33 as 0.695 mg/kg in 73% having total individual eleven. Median (interquartile range) of pesticides levels among subjects with normal weight, over weight and obesity were 0.49 (0.26-2.13), 1.53 (0.60-2.65), and 1.60 (1.23-2.05) respectively. It was observed that Organochlorine pesticides (OCS) levels of subjects with overweight and obesity were almost similar (P-value > 0.05) but significantly higher as compared to subjects with normal weight (P-value < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between PCB levels of subjects in terms of body mass index (BMI). In present study we trace the important elements involve in the deposition of persistent organic pollutants and established an association between pollutants with etiology of diabetes and associated disorders such as obesity.

Differential Bioaccumulation Patterns of α, β-Hexachlorobenzene and Dicofol in Adipose Tissue from the GraMo Cohort (Southern Spain)

To identify bioaccumulation patterns of α-, β- hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dicofol in relation to sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, adipose tissue samples of 387 subjects from GraMo cohort in Southern Spain were analyzed. Potential predictors of these organochlorine pesticides (OCP) levels were collected by face-to-face interviews and assessed by multivariable linear and logistic regression. OCPs were detected in 84.2% (β-HCH), 21.7% (α-HCH), and 19.6% (dicofol) of the population. β-HCH levels were positively related to age, body mass index (BMI), mother's occupation in agriculture during pregnancy, living in Poniente and Alpujarras, white fish, milk and water consumption, and negatively related to being male, living near to an agricultural area, working ≥10 years in agriculture, and beer consumption. Detectable α-HCH levels were positively related to age, BMI, milk consumption, mother's occupation in agriculture during pregnancy, and negatively with residence in Poniente and Alpujarras, Granada city, and Granada Metropolitan Area. Residence near to an agricultural area, smoking habit, white fish and water consumption, and living in Poniente and Alpujarras, Granada city and Granada Metropolitan Area were negatively associated with detectable dicofol levels. Our study revealed different bioaccumulation patterns of α, β-HCH and dicofol, probably due to their dissimilar period of use, and emphasize the need for assessing the exposure to frequently overlooked pollutants.

Effects of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Maternal Body on Infants

There are many organochlorine pollutants in the environment, which can be directly or indirectly exposed to by mothers, and as estrogen endocrine disruptors can cause damage to the lactation capacity of the mammary gland. In addition, because breast milk contains a lot of nutrients, it is the most important food source for new-born babies. If mothers are exposed to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), the lipophilic organochlorine contaminants can accumulate in breast milk fat and be passed to the infant through breast milk. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate organochlorine contaminants in human milk to estimate the health risks of these contaminants to breastfed infants. In addition, toxic substances in the mother can also be passed to the fetus through the placenta, which is also something we need to pay attention to. This article introduces several types of OCPs, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), methoxychlor (MXC), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), endosulfan, chlordane, heptachlorand and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), mainly expounds their effects on women's lactation ability and infant health, and provides reference for maternal and infant health. In addition, some measures and methods for the control of organochlorine pollutants are also described here.

Biomonitoring of 89 POPs in blood serum samples of Czech city policemen

In this biomonitoring study, we evaluated the concentrations of 8 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 11 organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), 33 brominated flame retardants (BFRs), 7 novel brominated and chlorinated flame retardants (novel FRs) and 30 per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) in human serum samples (n = 274). A total of 89 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in blood serum samples of city policemen living in three large cities and their adjacent areas (Ostrava, Prague, and Ceske Budejovice) in the Czech Republic. All samples were collected during the year 2019 in two sampling periods (spring and autumn). The identification/quantification of PCBs, OCPs, BFRs, novel FRs and PFAS was performed by means of gas chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (GC-MS/(MS)) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The most frequently detected pollutants were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), 2,2',3,4,4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB 138), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB 153), 2,2',3,3',4,4',5-heptachlorobiphenyl (CB 170), 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (CB 180), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) quantified in 100% of serum samples. In the serum samples, the concentrations of determined POPs were in the range of 0.108-900 ng g^-1 lipid weight (lw) for PCBs, 0.106-1016 ng g^-1 lw for OCPs, <0.1-618 ng g^-1 lw for FRs and <0.01-18.3 ng mL^-1 for PFAS, respectively. Locality, sampling season, and age were significantly associated with several POP concentrations. One of the important conclusions was that within the spring sampling period, statistically significant higher concentrations of CB 170 and CB 180 were observed in the samples from Ostrava (industrial area) compared to Prague and Ceske Budejovice. Older policemen had higher concentrations of five PCBs and two OCPs in blood serum.

Correlates of Persistent Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Mixtures among Reproductive-Aged Black Women

Black women are exposed to multiple endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), but few studies have examined their profiles of exposure to EDC mixtures. We identified biomarker profiles and correlates of exposure to EDC mixtures in a cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective cohort study of 749 Black women aged 23-35 years. We quantified plasma concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nonfasting samples collected at baseline. Demographic, behavioral, dietary, and reproductive covariates were also collected at baseline. We used k-means clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) to describe concentration profiles of EDC mixtures (17 PCBs, 6 PBDEs, 4 OCPs, 6 PFAS), followed by multinomial logistic and multivariable linear regression to estimate mean differences in PCA scores (β) and odds ratios (ORs) of cluster membership with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Older age (per 1 year increase: β = 0.47, CI = 0.39, 0.54; OR = 1.27, CI = 1.20, 1.35), lower body mass index (per 1 kg/m2 increase: β = -0.14, CI = -0.17, -0.12; OR = 0.91, CI = 0.89, 0.94), and current smoking (≥10 cigarettes/day vs never smokers: β = 1.37, CI = 0.20, 2.55; OR = 2.63, CI = 1.07, 6.50) were associated with profiles characterized by higher concentrations of all EDCs. Other behaviors and traits, including dietary factors and years since last birth, were also associated with EDC mixtures.

First nationwide exposure profile of major persistent organic pollutants among Korean adults and their determinants: Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 3 (2015-2017)

Since 2009, Korea has measured the exposure levels of major environmental chemicals and heavy metals among representative adult populations through the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS). However, exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has never been assessed. This study reports the serum concentrations of twenty-four POPs and their influencing factors for Korean adults (n = 1295) who participated in the KoNEHS Cycle 3 (2015-2017). The POPs included seven organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), eleven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and six polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Among them, three OCPs (i.e., hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE)) and five PCBs (i.e., PCB52, PCB118, PCB138, PCB153, and PCB180) were detected in over 60% of the samples. PBDEs were not detected at a detection frequency of 60% or above. The most frequently detected POPs were p,p'-DDE (99.8%, geometric mean of 128.47 ng/g lipid), followed by PCB180 (98.8%, 8.49 ng/g lipid), PCB153 (98.8%, 13.14 ng/g lipid), HCB (96.2%, 67.08 ng/g lipid), PCB138 (95.2%, 8.84 ng/g lipid), PCB118 (89.6%, 2.66 ng/g lipid), p,p'-DDT (80.5%, 6.68 ng/g lipid), and PCB52 (71.2%, 1.57 ng/g lipid). The concentrations of most POPs were lower than or similar to concentrations reported in national-scale biomonitoring surveys. The only exception was HCB, whose concentration was up to seven-fold higher than the concentration reported by the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Excluding HCB and PCB52, most POPs showed increasing serum levels among older adults, adults with higher body mass index, adults living in coastal areas, and more frequent fish consumption. Relatively higher POP concentrations were observed in menopausal women. This study provides the first data on POP exposure levels among the representative adult population in Korea, and the results highlight the need to integrate POPs in the national biomonitoring program.

Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants and markers of obesity and cardiometabolic risk in Spanish adolescents

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been linked to cardiometabolic (CM) risk factors in childhood, but there are no studies evaluating the persistence of these associations into adolescence, a period of relevant changes in endocrine-dependent organ systems and rapid increases in lean and fat mass. We examined the associations of prenatal POP exposures with body mass index (BMI) from age 4 to 18 years, and with other CM risk markers in adolescence.

METHODS

We analysed 379 children from the Spanish INMA-Menorca birth cohort study with measured cord blood POP concentrations. We calculated BMI z-scores at ages 4, 6, 11, 14 and 18 years using the WHO growth reference. Body fat % was measured at 11 and 18 years and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and blood pressure (BP) at 11, 14 and 18 years. We measured CM biomarkers in fasting blood collected at age 14 years and calculated a CM-risk score as the sum of the sex-, and age-specific z-scores for waist circumference, mean arterial BP, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting blood triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (n = 217). Generalised estimating equations and multivariate linear regression models assessed the associations with repeated and single time-point measures, respectively.

RESULTS

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) exposure in the third tertile, compared to the first tertile, was associated with higher BMI (β = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.47) and WHtR z-score (β = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.51). A continuous increase in HCB was associated with an elevated body fat % (β per 10-fold increase = 4.21; 95% CI: 0.51, 7.92), systolic BP (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.64) and diastolic BP z-score (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.62) across all ages, and with higher CM-risk score (β = 1.59; 95% CI: 0.02, 3.18) and lipid biomarkers (total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)) at 14 years. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) exposure was non-monotonically associated with BMI and systolic BP. p,p'-DDE and Σ-polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (sum of congeners 118, 138, 153, 180) were not associated with adiposity or BP. p,p'-DDT exposure was associated with an increased CM-risk score, and ΣPCBs concentrations with LDL-C in all adolescents and with total cholesterol only in girls (p-sex interaction = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This first longitudinal study from 4 to 18 years suggests that the previously reported POP associations with child BMI persist later in adolescence and that prenatal POP exposures are associated with major risk factors for adult CM syndrome.

The Association Between Maternal Prenatal Fish Intake and Child Autism-Related Traits in the EARLI and HOME Studies

We examined the association between prenatal fish intake and child autism-related traits according to Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and cognitive development scores in two US prospective pregnancy cohorts. In adjusted linear regression analyses, higher maternal fish intake in the second half of pregnancy was associated with increased child autism traits (higher raw SRS scores; ß = 5.60, 95%CI 1.76, 12.97). Differences by fish type were suggested; shellfish and large fish species were associated with increases, and salmon with decreases, in child SRS scores. Clear patterns with cognitive scores in the two cohorts were not observed. Future work should further evaluate potential critical windows of prenatal fish intake, and the role of different fish types in association with child autism-related outcomes.

Birth Characteristics and Risk of Pediatric Thyroid Cancer: A Population-Based Record-Linkage Study in California

Background: Incidence rates of thyroid cancer in children and young adults (age 0-19 years) have nearly doubled over a recent 15-year period in the United States. Children with thyroid cancer may require long-term therapy and surveillance and are at greater risk for second primary malignancies. High-dose exposure to ionizing radiation is the only known nongenetic risk factor; the vast majority of cases have an unknown etiology. Methods: We conducted a population-based nested case-control study to evaluate the relationship between a range of birth characteristics and the risk of pediatric thyroid cancer. Using linked birth records and cancer registry data from California, we included 1012 cases who were diagnosed with first primary thyroid cancer at the age of 0-19 years from 1988 to 2015 and 50,600 birth-year matched controls (1:50 case to control ratio). We estimated adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by using multivariable logistic regression models applied to the full population and stratified by thyroid cancer subtypes (papillary and follicular), race/ethnicity (white and Hispanic), and age at diagnosis (0-14 and 15-19 years). Results: Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 1.20 [CI 1.01-1.42]), higher birth weight (OR: 1.11 [CI 1.04-1.18] per 500g), and higher maternal education (13-15 years OR: 1.35 [CI 1.09-1.68], 16+ years OR: 1.35 [CI 1.07-1.71]) were associated with an increased risk of pediatric thyroid cancer, while male sex (OR: 0.21 [CI 0.18-0.25]) and higher birth order (third or higher OR: 0.81 [CI 0.68-0.98]) were associated with a decreased risk. Some heterogeneity was observed across subtype, most notably an elevated OR with higher birth order for follicular thyroid cancer, in contrast to the reduced risk for this category among papillary thyroid cancer cases (p-value for interaction = 0.01). Hispanic ethnicity was a risk factor for papillary, but not follicular thyroid cancer (p-value for interaction = 0.07). Conclusions: In this population-based study of birth characteristics and pediatric thyroid cancer, we identified several important risk factors for pediatric thyroid cancer, including female sex, Hispanic ethnicity, higher birth weight, higher maternal educational attainment, and lower birth order. Our data provide new areas for replication and investigation of biological mechanisms for this poorly understood malignancy.

Maternal and cord serum levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) among Lebanese pregnant women and predictors of exposure

In this study, the six indicator non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls NDL-PCBs (PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB138, PCB153, PCB180), as well as four organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dichlorodiphenyldichlorethylene (DDE) were measured in 98 maternal and 49 cord sera samples of a group of Lebanese women who gave birth in three hospitals in Greater Beirut, between March and July 2018. Results showed that the levels of these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in maternal serum were below critical limits as well as those in other countries (Tunisia, France, Portugal, Spain, Poland, Greenland, Canada, Brazil, and China). The ratios of cord serum concentrations to maternal serum concentrations of analyzed POPs were higher than 1. PCB maternal serum concentrations were found to be linked to illegal incineration (OR = 5.78; p = 0.004) as well as eggs (OR = 4.68; p = 0.027) and fruits and vegetables consumption (OR = 3.92; p = 0.016). OCP concentrations were linked to red meat and cold cuts intake (OR = 3.67-4.59; p = 0.001-0.004). While PCB levels were not correlated to newborns anthropometric measurements, OCP levels in cord serum were found to be positively linked to the birth length of newborns (p = 0.014-0.027).

Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in blood of the Spanish population: Temporal trend

The present article reviews the human biomonitoring studies conducted in Spain to assess exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In general terms, important variations in POPs concentrations between Spanish regions and specific populations were observed, while no associations between exposure to POPs and adverse health outcomes were found. Moreover, occupational exposure seems not to be a risk factor with regards to POPs exposure in the Spanish population. The present review highlights the importance of conducting human biomonitoring studies to find possible associations between POPs and adverse health effects.

Blood mercury and plasma polychlorinated biphenyls concentrations in pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik: Temporal trends, 1992-2017

The Inuit of Nunavik (Northern Quebec, Canada) are exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury (Hg) through their consumption of marine country foods. A temporal trend study was initiated in 1992 to monitor circulating levels of PCBs and Hg in pregnant Inuit women, since the fetus is most at risk of adverse health effects. We set out (1) to describe temporal trends of PCBs and Hg levels in pregnant Nunavik women between 1992 and 2017; (2) to determine the prevalence of participants exceeding the guidance values in 2017; (3) to investigate relations between marine country food intake and contaminant levels over the study period. A total of 559 pregnant women provided a blood sample for contaminant analysis from 1992 to 2017. PCB congeners were quantified in plasma (serum) by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to electron capture detection or mass spectrometry (MS). We determined whole blood mercury concentration by cold vapor atomic absorption or inductively-coupled plasma MS. We performed multilevel modeling to assess temporal trends in contaminant levels and relations with marine country food consumption. Concentrations of total PCBs and Hg decreased by 84% and 65% between 1992 and 2017, respectively. Nevertheless, 10% and 22% of women in 2017 exceeded guidance values for PCBs and Hg, respectively. While the decline in marine country food intake is the only factor associated with decreasing Hg levels, other factors may explain the decline in PCB levels. Despite the significant decline in PCBs and Hg levels from 1992 to 2017, exposure to these contaminants is still quite prevalent among pregnant Nunavik women. Most of the decline in Hg exposure is likely due to a shift away from marine country foods to store-bought foods, which is a concern given the cultural and nutritional importance of country foods and the high food insecurity that prevails in Nunavik.

Agrochemicals and obesity

Obesity has become a very large concern worldwide, reaching pandemic proportions over the past several decades. Lifestyle factors, such as excess caloric intake and decreased physical activity, together with genetic predispositions, are well-known factors related to obesity. There is accumulating evidence suggesting that exposure to some environmental chemicals during critical windows of development may contribute to the rapid increase in the incidence of obesity. Agrochemicals are a class of chemicals extensively used in agriculture, which have been widely detected in human. There is now considerable evidence linking human exposure to agrochemicals with obesity. This review summarizes human epidemiological evidence and experimental animal studies supporting the association between agrochemical exposure and obesity and outlines possible mechanistic underpinnings for this link.

Correlates of organochlorine pesticide plasma concentrations among reproductive-aged black women

BACKGROUND

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are lipophilic persistent organic pollutants associated with adverse health outcomes. Black women have higher body burdens compared with other U.S. populations and research on their correlates is limited.

METHODS

Using baseline data from a prospective cohort study of Black women aged 23-35 years from the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area (enrolled 2010-2012), we examined correlates of plasma concentrations of the following OCPs: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), oxychlordane, and trans-nonachlor. At enrollment, we collected non-fasting blood samples from 742 participants. We also collected data on demographic, behavioral, dietary, occupational, and medical history factors via self-administered questionnaires, telephone interviews, and in-person clinic visits. We fit linear regression models to calculate percent (%) differences across categories of each correlate and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

In models adjusted for all other correlates, a 5-year increase in age was associated with 24% higher oxychlordane (95% CI: 12%, 38%) and 26% higher trans-nonachlor (95% CI: 12%, 42%) plasma concentrations. Heavy alcohol use was associated with 7-9% higher plasma concentrations of p,p'-DDE, oxychlordane, and trans-nonachlor. Current smoking was associated with 10-19% higher plasma concentrations of all four OCPs, and was highest for current smokers of ≥10 cigarettes/day (% differences ranged from 22 to 29%). Compared with having never been breastfed during infancy, having been breastfed for ≥3 months was associated with 15% higher concentrations of p,p'-DDE (95% CI: 6%, 25%), 14% higher oxychlordane (95% CI: 5%, 24%), and 15% higher trans-nonachlor (95% CI: 5%, 27%). Consumption of ≥5 vs. ≤2 glasses/day of tap or bottled water was associated with 8-15% higher plasma concentrations of all four OCPs, and was highest for trans-nonachlor (% difference: 15%; 95% CI: 6%, 26%). No other dietary predictors were appreciably associated with plasma OCP concentrations. Obesity, parity, higher birth order, and longer lactation duration were inversely associated with plasma OCP concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

In Black U.S. women of reproductive age, older age was an important correlate of plasma OCP concentrations. Exposure to OCPs earlier in life appears to contribute to current blood concentrations. In addition, tobacco, alcohol, and drinking water may be important sources of exposure.

Prenatal exposure to legacy contaminants and visual acuity in Canadian infants: a maternal-infant research on environmental chemicals study (MIREC-ID)

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to environmental contaminants can have deleterious effects on child development. While psychomotor, cognitive and behavioural outcomes have been investigated in relation to chronic exposure, the associations with visual functions remains unclear. The present study's aim was to assess the associations of prenatal exposure to legacy persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals with visual acuity in Canadian infants. The potential protective effects of selenium against mercury toxicity were also examined.

METHODS

Participants (mean corrected age = 6.6 months) were part of the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), lead and mercury were measured in maternal blood during pregnancy, as well as in the cord blood. The Teller acuity card test (TAC) (n = 429) and the visual evoked potentials in a sub-group (n = 63) were used to estimate behavioural and electrophysiological visual acuity, respectively. Multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between exposure to each contaminant and visual acuity measures, while controlling for potential confounders. Breastmilk selenium, which was available for about half of the TAC and VEP samples, was also taken into account in the mercury models as exploratory analyses.

RESULTS

We observed no significant associations between exposure to any contaminants and TAC. Analyses revealed a negative trend (p values < 0.1) between cord blood lead and mercury and electrophysiological visual acuity, whereas PCB and PBDE showed no association. When adding breastmilk selenium concentration to the mercury models, this association became statistically significant for cord concentrations (β = - 3.41, 95% CI = - 5.96,-0.86), but also for blood levels at 1st and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (β = - 3.29, 95% CI = - 5.69,-0.88). However, further regression models suggested that this change in estimates might not be due to adjustment for selenium, but instead to a change in the study sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that subtle, but detectable alterations of infant electrophysiological visual acuity can be identified in a population prenatally exposed to low mercury concentrations. Compared to behavioural visual acuity testing, electrophysiological assessment may more sensitive in detecting visual neurotoxicity in relation with prenatal exposure to mercury.

Predictors of Beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane blood levels among people living close to a chemical plant and an illegal dumping site

BACKGROUND

Hexachlorocyclohexane is a synthetic chemical with several isomers, including β-Hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH). In 2005, a large contamination of crude milk from some bovine farms along the Sacco River (Central Italy) was detected; it was related to the illegal disposal of large quantities of processing waste by a chemical industry of the area. A biomonitoring study, conducted in 2007 on a sample of the residing population, found high values of β-HCH in people living close to the river. These results led to the establishment of a clinical and epidemiological surveillance program on all the exposed population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the determinants of β-HCH blood levels in people living within 1 Km of the Sacco River, focusing on the role of specific foods, body mass index and risk factors not yet identified.

METHODS

The program involved all people living within 1 km of the river. A descriptive analysis of β-HCH blood levels was done in relation to the potential determinants including specific foods. Regression analysis was used to study the association between potential determinants and (natural log) β-HCH haematic concentration. The results were expressed as geometric mean ratios (GMR). To take into account similarities within the families we adjusted for family clustering.

RESULTS

A total of 602 subjects (87.2%) agreed to participate in the surveillance. The β-HCH geometric mean serum concentration was 72 ng/g lipid. The regression analysis showed that being female (GMR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.14-1.53), elderly (GMR_{> 70yy}: 10.04, 95%CI: 6.65-15.15), obese (GMR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.28-2.08), eating food of local/own production (GMR 1.47, 95%CI: 1.15-1.88) and using water from private wells (GMR_drink:1.47, 95%CI: 1.00-2.14 and GMR_wash: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.17-1.87) were associated with higher β-HCH values. There was inverse association with breastfeeding (GMR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.47-0.86). The focus on specific foods showed that the most important factors were eggs and beef.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicated a greater contamination for older people, and those drinking and washing with water from private wells and consuming locally produced food, especially eggs and beef.

Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and exposures to PBDEs, OH-PBDEs, PCBs, and PFASs in a diverse, overweight population of pregnant women

Exposures to persistent organohalogen chemicals during pregnancy are associated with adverse health effects. Low-income, minority women with pre-existing co-morbidities may be particularly vulnerable to these exposures, but have historically been understudied. We aimed to characterize exposures to multiple chemical classes among a sample of ethnically diverse, lower income, overweight or obese pregnant women. Serum concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in 98 pregnant women (California; 2011-2013). Aggregate exposures were evaluated using correlational clustering, a "chemical burden" score, and PCA. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and individual and aggregate exposures were evaluated using multivariable linear regression. Clustering and PCA both produced four groupings: (PC1) PBDEs/OH-PBDEs, (PC2) PCBs, (PC3) PFNA/PFOA/PFDeA, (PC4) PFHxS/PFOS. Race/ethnicity and prepregnancy BMI were associated with PBDEs, OH-PBDEs and PC1. Maternal age was associated with PCBs and PC2. Parity was associated with PBDEs, OH-PBDEs and PC2. Poverty was negatively associated with PCBs, whereas food insecurity was positively associated with PFOS. We observed variations in sociodemographic profiles of exposures by chemical class and weak across-class correlations. These findings have implications for epidemiologic studies of chemical mixtures and for exposure reduction strategies.

Patterns of PCBs and OCPs exposure in a sample of Lebanese adults: The role of diet and physical activity

BACKGROUND

Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the general population is 90% from food intake. Dietary patterns provide a global estimation of exposure to POPs, taking into account multiple food sources of environmental contaminants.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association of dietary, socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle-related variables with clusters of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), in a sample of students and employees of Saint Joseph University of Beirut.

METHODS

A total of 302 participants were randomly recruited. Questionnaires covering dietary, socio-demographic, and lifestyle-related characteristics were administered. Anthropometric measurements were obtained. Serum concentrations of six indicator PCBs (PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180) and four OCPs, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexanes (β-HCH), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolite p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were measured, and cluster analysis was applied. We evaluated the association of dietary intake with PCBs/OCPs exposure using two different approaches: food consumption categories and dietary patterns retrieved from principal component analysis (PCA).

RESULTS

Three clusters of PCBs/OCPs were obtained: middle-level, high-level, and low-level. Practicing physical activity was associated with a three times higher risk of having high-level PCBs/OCPs, after adjustment for confounding variables (ORa = 2.97; CI = 1.23-7.19; p < 0.05). The highest tertile of fish and shellfish consumption increased by three-folds the odds of having high-level PCBs/OCPs (ORa = 3.41; CI = 1.07-10.84; p < 0.05). PCA revealed six dietary patterns. A "cereals, fats and oils, and eggs" dietary pattern was associated with 50% increase in the risk of having high-level PCBs/OCPs (ORa = 1.48; CI = 1.03-2.13; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present results offer a valuable contribution to the understanding of the factors increasing exposure to POPs, namely fish consumption and the "cereals, fats and oils, and eggs" dietary pattern. We also demonstrated that physical activity was positively associated with a higher risk of exposure to PCBs and OCPs, knowing that data on this matter are scarce.

Predictors of plasma polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations among reproductive-aged black women

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of lipophilic endocrine-disrupting chemicals with wide industrial use in the U.S. from the 1930s through 1977. Due to their environmental and biological persistence, low levels of PCBs remain detected in wildlife and humans. Although U.S. studies have shown higher serum PCB concentrations among Black women compared with White women, studies of correlates of PCB exposure among Black women are scarce. We examined predictors of plasma PCB concentrations in a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a prospective cohort study of 1693 premenopausal Black women aged 23-35 years from Detroit, Michigan (2010-2012). We collected demographic, behavioral, dietary, and medical data via self-administered questionnaires, telephone interviews, and in-person clinic visits, as well as non-fasting blood samples. We measured concentrations of 24 PCB congeners in baseline plasma from a subset of 762 participants. We used linear regression for log-transformed lipid-adjusted PCB concentrations to calculate percentage differences across levels of selected predictors. We did this separately for individual PCBs, sum of total PCBs, and sum of PCBs by degree of chlorination and hormonal activity. PCB concentrations were positively associated with age, duration of urban residence, cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol intake, and being breastfed in infancy, and inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) and lactation duration. The strength of some associations varied by degree of chlorination. For example, a 5-kg/m² higher BMI corresponded to a 2.9% lower summed concentration of tri- and tetra-substituted PCBs (95% CI -4.6%, -1.2%), an 8.3% lower summed concentration of penta- and hexa-substituted PCBs (95% CI -10.0%, -6.5%), and a 12.1% lower summed concentration of hepta-, octa-, nona-, and deca-substituted PCBs (95% CI -13.7%, -10.4%). Likewise, associations for age and being breastfed in infancy were stronger for higher-chlorinated PCBs. Results agree with studies on predictors of PCB body burdens, few of which include large numbers of Black women.

Drivers of maternal accumulation of organohalogen pollutants in Arctic areas (Chukotka, Russia) and 4,4'-DDT effects on the newborns

BACKGROUND

One of the most worrying consequence of the production and use of persistent organohalogen pollutants (POPs) is the high accumulation in Arctic populations because of long-range transport. Study of the effects in these populations may illustrate human impacts that are difficult to assess in other locations with lower exposure to these compounds and more diverse pollutant influences.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify the main maternal characteristics influencing on the accumulation of these compounds and the effects on the newborns in a highly exposed Arctic population (Chukotka, Russia).

METHODS

Organochlorine and organobromine compounds were analysed in maternal venous serum (n = 250). The study included data on residence, educational level, age, parity and body mass index (BMI) from self-reported questionnaires and measured anthropometric characteristics of newborns.

RESULTS

Concentrations of β-hexachlorocyclohexanes, hexachlorobenzene, 4,4'-DDT and polychlorobiphenyls were high when compared with those generally found in adult populations later than year 2000. The polybromodiphenyl ethers were negligible. These POP concentrations were higher than in Alaska and Arctic Norway and similar to those in Canada. The Chukotka mothers living in inland areas showed significant lower concentrations than those living in the coast (p < 0.001) except for 4,4'-DDT. The population from the Chukotsky District, a specific coastal area, showed the highest concentrations. Residence was therefore a main concentration determinant (p < 0.001) followed by maternal age, and in some cases parity and BMI (p < 0.05). 4,4'-DDT showed an association with the anthropometric characteristics of the newborns (p < 0.05). Mothers with higher 4,4'-DDT concentrations had longer gestational ages and gave birth to infants with higher weight and length.

CONCLUSIONS

The maternal accumulation patterns of POPs were mainly related with residence. Most of these compounds were found in higher concentration in women living at coastal areas except 4,4'-DDE and 4,4'-DDT which were of inland origin. This last pesticide was the pollutant showing positive associations with gestational age and newborn's weight and length. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting statistically significant associations between maternal 4,4'-DDT exposure and anthropometric characteristics of the newborns.

Dietary patterns related to exposure to persistent organic pollutants based on the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are endocrine disruptors that are typically ingested in food. Using data from the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort study, we identified dietary patterns related to blood persistent organic pollutant (POP) levels in children. In total, 188 Korean children (95 boys and 93 girls) aged 7-9 years were included in this study. Daily food intake data derived from a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire were grouped into 33 food groups. Dietary patterns were analyzed using the reduced rank regression method, with blood POP levels as dependent variables. The marker polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pattern showed more weighted loading factors in the intake of shellfish/salted seafood, cheese, nuts and seeds, and total PCBs showed similar results. The dioxin-like PCB pattern was characterized by a higher intake of yogurt, beverages, and fruit and a lower intake of grain, seaweeds, and processed meat. Additionally, the total organochlorine pesticide (OCP) pattern showed positive factor loading values in shrimp and beverages, and negative factor loading values in seaweeds and processed meat. Each dietary pattern accounted for 25.0% of total OCPs, 22.9% of dioxin-like PCBs, 21.6% of marker PCBs, and 21.3% of total PCBs in blood. Dietary pattern scores were linearly related to blood POP levels, and this association remained after adjusting for sex, age, follow-up survey year, maternal educational level, body mass index, and total energy. Dietary patterns differed slightly among the individual POPs. Further studies are needed to develop an intervention strategy for children.

Environmental phenols and parabens in adipose tissue from hospitalized adults in Southern Spain

Urinary concentrations of non-persistent environmental pollutants (npEPs) are widely assessed in biomonitoring studies under the assumption that they are metabolised and eliminated in urine. However, some of these chemicals are moderately lipophilic, and their presence in other biological matrices should also be evaluated to estimate mid/long-term exposure to npEPs and its impact on human health. The present study aims to explore concentrations and potential determinants of npEPs in adipose tissue from a hospital-based adult cohort (GraMo cohort, Southern Spain). Concentrations of bisphenol-A (BPA), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), triclosan (TCS), three chlorophenols (2,4-DCP, 2,5-DCP and 2,4,5-TCP) and two phenylphenols (2-PP and 4-PP), triclocarban (TCCB) and parabens [methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (n-PrP and i-PrP), butyl- (n-BuP and i-BuP) and benzyl-paraben (BzP)] were analysed in adipose tissue samples from a subcohort of 144 participants. Spearman correlation tests were performed, followed by stepwise multivariable linear regression analyses to assess determinants of the exposure. Detection frequencies and median concentrations were: BPA (86.8%, 0.54 ng/g tissue), BP-3 (79.2%, 0.60 ng/g tissue), TCS (45.8%, <LOD), 2-PP (18.8%, <LOD), MeP (100.0%, 0.40 ng/g tissue), EtP (20.1%, <LOD) and n-PrP (54.2%, 0.06 ng/g tissue). The remaining npEPs were detected in <10% of the samples. BPA, MeP, EtP and n-PrP levels were significantly and positively correlated, while BP-3 showed a positive correlation with TCS and 2-PP. Older participants showed higher concentrations of TCS and MeP, while BMI was inversely associated with most of the analysed compounds and perceived recent weight loss was inversely associated with 2-PP. Female participants and residents of rural areas had increased BP-3 concentrations. npEP concentrations were positively associated with the consumption of fatty food but negatively associated with the consumption of vegetables and fruit. This study reveals the widespread presence of numerous npEPs in adipose tissue from adults in southern Spain, suggesting a generalized distribution of these environmental compounds in fatty tissues. In these adults, many of the determinants of npEP concentrations in adipose tissue were similar to those of more lipophilic and persistent compounds.

Socio-economic inequalities in blood mercury (Hg) and serum polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations among pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik, Canada

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relationships between socio-economic characteristics and mercury (Hg) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations among pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik.

METHOD

We used biomonitoring data from 208 pregnant Inuit women recruited in the 14 villages of Nunavik between September 2011 and December 2013. Blood samples were collected to monitor levels of blood Hg and serum congener PCB-153 (surrogate of total PCB concentration). Ratio of omega 3/omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a validated biomarker of marine country food consumption, was also measured in red blood cell membranes to determine maternal dietary profile. Data on socio-economic characteristics (income and education), health-related lifestyles, and reproductive history were collected through questionnaires. Association between socio-economic characteristics and contaminant concentrations was assessed using linear regressions.

RESULTS

We observed a significant inverse relationship between education and Hg levels. Lower concentrations of Hg were observed among women who had completed high school compared to women who had not completed high school. However, no association was observed between level of education and concentration of PCBs.

CONCLUSION

Socio-economic disparities in maternal exposure to Hg exist in Nunavik. Further research is needed to determine whether environmental health inequalities also exist in other subgroups of the Nunavik population and in other Indigenous communities in Canada.

Current status of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure among mothers and their babies of Korea-CHECK cohort study

Despite the global ban, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been a persistent and significant environmental health issue worldwide. Prenatal exposure to these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been identified as a major route of exposure among developing fetuses and newborn infants. Among Children's Health and Environmental Health of Korea (CHECK) cohort population, pregnant females (n=148) and their matching newborn infants (n=117) recruited from four cities of Korea in 2011 were investigated. The blood serum and cord blood serum were sampled at delivery, and measured for 19 OCPs and 19 PCBs. In addition, a questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, and dietary habits were conducted. The most frequently detected POPs in both maternal blood and cord blood were p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (DDE) (99% detection in maternal, and 98% in cord blood serum) and PCB153 (95% in maternal, 74% in cord blood serum). The levels of dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethanes (DDTs) in both maternal (average 82.5ng/g lw) and cord blood serum (average 77.5ng/g lw) were comparable to or greater than those reported in Japan about a decade ago. Approximately two thirds of the pregnant women and newborn infants showed the p,p'-DDE concentrations exceeding the biological equivalent (BE) corresponding to 10^-6 excess cancer risk. In addition, less chlorinated PCBs were detected higher in both maternal and cord serum. Less chlorinated PCBs also showed greater transplacental ratio. Dairy consumption among the subjects was positively associated, and tea consumption was negatively associated with serum levels of several POPs. Our results show that the exposure to legacy POPs, especially DDTs, among pregnant women and newborn infants is still prevailing, thus warrants measures for exposure mitigation among these vulnerable populations.

Determinants of serum organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl levels in middle-aged Korean adults

The serum levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in a middle-aged Korean population and investigated associations with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), metabolic syndrome (MS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dietary habits. The median concentrations of 22 OCPs and 34 PCBs in the serum samples were 483 and 216 ng g^-1 lipid, respectively. The most abundant compound was p,p'-DDE, followed by PCB 153, β-HCH, PCB 118, and PCB 180. The results of multiple linear regression and other statistical analyses revealed that serum OCP and PCB levels were higher in women and were positively correlated with age. BMI was positively associated with serum OCP and PCB levels, reflecting the influence of food intake and the preserving effect of body fat. MS and T2DM were significantly associated with serum OCP and PCB levels. The intake of animal foods had positive associations with serum OCP and PCB levels, whereas the intake of phytogenic foods showed negative associations, presumably because of contamination levels in food items and food matrices that governs absorption and excretion of OCPs and PCBs in the body. The relationship between dietary habits and serum OCP and PCB levels were different in participants with MS compared to healthy participants, suggesting MS may alter the influence of food intake on serum OCP and PCB levels.

Variations in serum concentrations of selected organochlorines among delivering women in Argentina. The EMASAR study

The EMASAR study is the first study to describe the body burden of OCs in Argentinian women after delivery. In total, 698 maternal serum samples from Salta (n = 498) and Ushuaia (n = 200) were collected in 2011-2012 and analyzed for a total of 7 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 12 pesticide-related compounds. Only 11 of the compounds had detection rates above 60% in one or both places. Compared with Ushuaian women, those from Salta exhibited higher lipid-adjusted concentrations of p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, β-HCH, and PCB 118 (p ≤ 0.003), with no differences in concentrations of PCB 153 and 138. After controlling for age, parity and heritage (born in the province or migrated there from other regions of Argentina), concentrations of p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, β-HCH and all PCBs were significantly higher in Salta natives compared with Ushuaia natives or migrants (p ≤ 0.010). No variations between native and migrated Ushuaian women were observed other than for PCB 153 (6.1 versus 8.6 μg kg^-1 lipid, p = 0.022). Age was generally associated positively with the body burden of nearly all OCs and parity negatively so, with p,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDT, and o,p'-DDD residues and α-HCH in Ushuaia being the exceptions. The regional differences in OC concentrations are explained by contrasting domestic sources, historical and current uses, industrial emissions, dietary patterns and lifestyle factors, as well as long-range-transport. The relatively high PCB 118/PCB 180 ratio observed for both Argentinian communities likely reflects the use of technical mixtures with congener-specific composition. In a comprehensive comparison with other countries, the Argentinian OC concentrations were mostly in the lower range. It is concluded that a latitude effect equivalent to that operative in the Arctic region seems unlikely.

Serum levels of organochlorine pesticides in blood donors: A biomonitoring survey in the North of Brazil, 2010-2011

Data on exposure to organochlorine (OC) pesticides in the Brazilian population are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of serum levels of OC pesticides in Brazilian blood donors and to determine factors potentially influencing exposure levels. To conduct this biomonitoring survey, blood samples were collected from blood donors attending the Hematherapic Unit in Rio Branco, North of Brazil, in 2010-2011. A total of 1183 (99%) subjects answered to a questionnaire including information on sociodemographics, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Twenty four OC pesticides were measured in serum samples from 978 donors (82%). Associations of OC pesticide serum levels and the number of OCs detected per donor with their potential predictors were explored by logistic and Poisson regression, respectively. Of the 24 OC pesticides analyzed, the highest prevalence was observed for p,p'-dichlorodiphenylethane (p,p'-DDE) (32%), followed by lindane (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane) (20%), heptachlor (16%), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) (13%). 95th percentiles of levels of these four OC pesticides were: 3.85ng/mL (p,p'-DDE) (median<0.09ng/mL), 0.09ng/mL (lindane) (median<0.04ng/mL), 0.23ng/mL (heptachlor) (median<0.09ng/mL), and 0.27ng/mL (p,p'-DDT) (median<0.02ng/mL). Factors significantly associated with a more frequent detection of OC pesticides included age, gender, education, and frequency of fish, manioc flour, açai pulp, and Brazil nuts intake. Major predictors of the number of OC pesticides detected were age, marital status, income, education, and frequency of consumption of manioc flour, açai pulp, and Brazil nuts. For the first time in Brazil, a biomonitoring study has assessed the internal doses of OC pesticides in a large sample of the adult population and potential exposure determinants. Except for lindane, which was permitted for use as a wood preservative until 2007 in Brazil, occurrence of OC pesticides was lower than or in the same range as those observed in other countries.

Prenatal and Postnatal PCB-153 and p,p'-DDE Exposures and Behavior Scores at 5–9 Years of Age among Children in Greenland and Ukraine

BACKGROUND

Studies have reported some evidence of adverse effects of organochlorine exposures on child development, but the results have been inconsistent, and few studies have evaluated associations with child behavior.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association between prenatal and early-life exposures to 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE) and behaviors in children between 5 and 9 y of age.

METHODS

In the Biopersistent organochlorines in diet and human fertility: Epidemiologic studies of time to pregnancy and semen quality in Inuit and European populations (INUENDO) cohort, consisting of mother-child pairs from Greenland and Ukraine (n=1,018), maternal serum PCB-153 and p,p'-DDE concentrations were measured during pregnancy, and cumulative postnatal exposures during the first 12 months after delivery were estimated using a pharmacokinetic model. Parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and children's behaviors were dichotomized as abnormal (high) versus normal/borderline for five SDQ subscales and the total difficulties score.

RESULTS

The total difficulties score, an overall measure of abnormal behavior, was not clearly associated with pre- or postnatal exposures to PCB-153 or to p,p'-DDE. However, pooled adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for high conduct problem scores with a doubling of exposure were 1.19 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.42) and 1.16 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.41) for pre- and postnatal PCB-153, respectively, and 1.25 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.51) and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.51) for pre- and postnatal p,p'-DDE, respectively. Corresponding ORs for high hyperactivity scores were 1.24 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.62) and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.45) for pre- and postnatal PCB-153, respectively, and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.92) and 1.27 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.73) for pre- and postnatal p,p'-DDE, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal and early postnatal exposures to p,p'-DDE and PCB-153 were associated with a higher prevalence of abnormal scores for conduct and hyperactivity at 5–9 y of age in our study population. These findings provide further support for the importance of minimizing organochlorine exposures to young children and to women of childbearing age. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP553.

Levels and profiles of organohalogenated contaminants in human blood from Egypt

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and some organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were determined in serum of Egyptian colorectal cancer patients (n = 35) and compared to a healthy control group (n = 32). p,p'-DDE (the major metabolite of DDT) was the most frequently detected contaminant with the highest concentration (median = 131 ng/g lw) in all studied serum samples. BDE-209 was the least frequently detected contaminant with a median concentration <0.3 ng/g lw. The contamination profile in patients and controls was almost identical with p,p'-DDE showing the highest median contribution (77%) and oxychlordane the lowest (1%). The low p,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDE ratio (3.7%) in serum implies bioaccumulation and past exposure to DDT (c.f. recent and ongoing intake). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the levels of target contaminants in serum of patients and the control group. Gender, age and body mass index (BMI) were investigated as potential factors influencing serum contaminant levels. ΣDDT, hexachlorobenzene and pentachlorophenol concentrations showed significant positive associations with age and/or BMI of the participants. Comparison with other countries revealed concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in Egyptian serum among the lowest reported worldwide.

Perspective on pre- and post-natal agro-food exposure to persistent organic pollutants and their effects on quality of life

BACKGROUND

Adipose tissue constitutes a continual source of internal exposure to organic pollutants (OPs). When fats mobilize during pregnancy and breastfeeding, OPs could affect foetal and neonatal development, respectively.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

The main aim of this review is to deal with pre- and post-natal external exposure to organic pollutants and their effects on health, proposing prevention measures to reduce their risk. The goal is the development of a biomonitoring framework program to estimate their impact on human health, and prevent exposure by recommending some changes in personal lifestyle habits.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

It has been shown that new studies should be developed taking into account their cumulative effect and the factors affecting their body burden. In conclusion, several programs should continuously be developed by different health agencies to have a better understanding of the effect of these substances and to develop a unified public policy.

Agricultural activities and the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the general French population

Most studies on pesticides and Parkinson's disease (PD) focused on occupational exposure in farmers. Whether non-occupational exposure is associated with PD has been little explored. We investigated the association between agricultural characteristics and PD incidence in a French nationwide ecologic study. We hypothesized that persons living in regions with agricultural activities involving more intensive pesticide use would be at higher risk. We identified incident PD cases from French National Health Insurance databases (2010-2012). The proportion of land dedicated to 18 types of agricultural activities was defined at the canton of residence level. We examined the association between agricultural activities and PD age/sex-standardized incidence ratios using multivariable multilevel Poisson regression adjusted for smoking, deprivation index, density of neurologists, and rurality (proportion of agricultural land); we used a false discovery rate approach to correct for multiple comparisons and compute q-values. We also compared incidence in clusters of cantons with similar agricultural characteristics (k-means algorithm). We identified 69,010 incident PD cases. Rurality was associated with higher PD incidence (p < 0.001). Cantons with higher density of vineyards displayed the strongest association (RR_{top/bottom quartile} = 1.102, 95% CI = 1.049-1.158; q-trend = 0.040). This association was similar in men, women, and non-farmers, stronger in older than younger persons, and present in all French regions. Persons living in the cluster with greatest vineyards density had 8.5% (4.4-12.6%) higher PD incidence (p < 0.001). In France, vineyards rank among the crops that require most intense pesticide use. Regions with greater presence of vineyards are characterized by higher PD risk; non-professional pesticides exposure is a possible explanation.

Univariate predictors of maternal concentrations of environmental chemicals: The MIREC study

BACKGROUND

The developing fetus and pregnant woman can be exposed to a variety of environmental chemicals that may adversely affect their health. Moreover, environmental exposure and risk disparities are associated with different social determinants, including socioeconomic status (SES) and demographic indicators. Our aim was to investigate whether and how maternal concentrations of a large panel of persistent and non-persistent environmental chemicals vary according to sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics in a large pregnancy and birth cohort.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a cohort of pregnant women (N=2001) recruited over four years (2008-2011) in 10 cities across Canada. In all, 1890 urine and 1938 blood samples from the first trimester (1st and 3rd trimester for metals) were analysed and six sociodemographic and lifestyle indicators were assessed: maternal age, household income, parity, smoking status, country of birth and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

We found these indicators to be significantly associated with many of the chemicals measured in maternal blood and urine. Women born outside Canada had significantly higher concentrations of di-2-ethylhexyl and diethyl phthalate metabolites, higher levels of all metals except cadmium (Cd), as well as higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and legacy organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Nulliparity was associated with higher concentrations of dialkyl phosphates (DAPs), arsenic, dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and many of the persistent organic pollutants. Smokers had higher levels of bisphenol A, Cd and perfluorohexane sulfonate, while those women who had never smoked had higher levels of triclosan, DMAA, manganese and some OCPs.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that inequitable distribution of exposure to chemicals among populations within a country can occur. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors are an important component of a thorough risk assessment as they can impact the degree of exposure and may modify the individual's susceptibility to potential health effects due to differences in lifestyle, cultural diets, and aging.

Association of serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and risk of pre-eclampsia: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may contribute to pre-eclampsia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) as POPs with pre-eclampsia.

METHODS

This case-control study was performed in the three general university hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Serum samples were collected from cases (n = 45) who had diagnosed with preeclampsia and from control samples (n = 70) with normal pregnancy and attended the same hospital for a routine prenatal visit at the third trimester of pregnancy. Pollutants levels were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).

RESULTS

Mean participant age was 27.3 ± 5.39 with median 27. As the main independent variable, total POPs manifested with adjusted OR equal to 1.54 (95 % CI: 1.26-1.87, p-value <0.0001), which was significantly associated with pre-eclampsia. The adjusted OR proved a statistically significant association between total PCBs 1.77 (95 % CI: 1.34-2.32) and total PBDEs (OR = 2.19; 95 % CI: 1.39-3.45, p-value = 0.001) with pre-eclampsia considering confounding variables (maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational age, weight gain during pregnancy and total lipids in maternal serum). Finally, pre-pregnancy BMI and weight gain during pregnancy had a positive association with pre-eclampsia and gestational age yielded a negative association with pre-eclampsia in all analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate the association between total POPs, total PBDEs, and total PCBs with pre-eclampsia, even after controlling for the effects of a number of potentially confounding factors. Further investigation about route of exposure and the trend of POPs especially in pregnant women is needed.

Association between serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants and gestational diabetes mellitus in primiparous women

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may play an important role in increasing the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the association between polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, 10 congeners) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, 8 congeners) and GDM in primiparous women with no family history of diabetes in first-degree relatives during the third trimester of pregnancy.

METHODS

This case-control study was performed among the three university hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Serum samples were collected from cases (n=70) that were diagnosed with GDM and from controls (n=70) with a normal pregnancy that attended the same hospital for a routine prenatal visit. Pollutant levels were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).

RESULTS

Logistic regression analyses manifested the positive association between total POPs (sum of total PCBs and PBDEs) (Odds ratio (OR)=1.61, 95% CI: 1.31-1.97, p-value <0.0001) and total PCBs (OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.35-2.27, p-value<0.0001) and GDM considering confounding variables (age, gestational age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and total maternal serum lipid). In addition, we found a positive association between total PBDEs and GDM (OR =2.21; 95% CI: 1.48-3.30, p-value <0.0001). Finally, we found a positive association between Ln PCB 187, 118 and Ln PBDE 99, 28 with GDM. Meanwhile a negative association between Ln PCB 28 and GDM was established.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that exposure to certain POPs (PCBs and PBDEs) could be a potential modifying risk factor for GDM.

Pesticides: an update of human exposure and toxicity

Pesticides are a family of compounds which have brought many benefits to mankind in the agricultural, industrial, and health areas, but their toxicities in both humans and animals have always been a concern. Regardless of acute poisonings which are common for some classes of pesticides like organophosphoruses, the association of chronic and sub-lethal exposure to pesticides with a prevalence of some persistent diseases is going to be a phenomenon to which global attention has been attracted. In this review, incidence of various malignant, neurodegenerative, respiratory, reproductive, developmental, and metabolic diseases in relation to different routes of human exposure to pesticides such as occupational, environmental, residential, parental, maternal, and paternal has been systematically criticized in different categories of pesticide toxicities like carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, pulmonotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, and metabolic toxicity. A huge body of evidence exists on the possible role of pesticide exposures in the elevated incidence of human diseases such as cancers, Alzheimer, Parkinson, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, asthma, bronchitis, infertility, birth defects, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, diabetes, and obesity. Most of the disorders are induced by insecticides and herbicides most notably organophosphorus, organochlorines, phenoxyacetic acids, and triazine compounds.

Serum polychlorinated biphenyls and their hydroxylated metabolites are associated with demographic and behavioral factors in children and mothers

Factors contributing to the inter-individual variation in body burden of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PCBs) have not been fully elucidated. We examined associations between total serum concentrations of 209 PCBs, 64 OH-PCBs, and frequently detected individual congeners with demographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity and community of residence), body mass index (BMI or BMI percentile), and breastfeeding history in children and their mothers from 83 U.S. households. There was a significant positive association between age and concentrations of total PCBs and OH-PCBs in mothers. Non-Hispanics had significantly higher concentrations of total PCBs in mothers and OH-PCBs in children than Hispanics. Concentrations of total PCBs were significantly lower in mothers who had longer breastfeeding duration. Living in the Columbus Junction, Iowa community as compared to East Chicago, Indiana was associated with higher total PCBs in children, probably attributable to higher exposures at school. Lower concentrations of OH-PCBs were significantly associated with a higher BMI percentile in children. Congener-specific associations were observed for 30 PCB and 12 OH-PCB congeners and followed comparable trends. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine factors contributing to variations in serum concentrations of total 209 PCBs and total OH-PCBs in children, as well as to examine ethnic differences in OH-PCB levels. Results from this study revealed that demographic characteristics, body mass index and breastfeeding history are factors that should be considered for human exposure and risk assessment of PCBs and OH-PCBs.

Chronic dietary exposure to pesticide residues and associated risk in the French ELFE cohort of pregnant women

Dietary exposure to pesticide residues may present a risk to public health, especially for sensitive populations such as pregnant women. To characterize this risk, this study assessed chronic dietary exposure to pesticide residues based on the French ELFE cohort. A self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) about the last three months of pregnancy filled in by pregnant women in 2011 was used in combination with occurrence data from French Total Diet Studies completed by the results of national monitoring programs on pesticide residues in food. The dietary intake of pesticides (μg/kg of body weight/day) was estimated for 14,099 pregnant women with a complete FFQ, for 317 substances under two occurrence scenarios to handle left-censored data: a lower-bound scenario (LB), where undetected results were set to zero, and an upper-bound scenario (UB), where undetected results were set to the detection limit if the substance was expected to be found in food and zero if it was not. The risk was assessed for 284 substances with a toxicological reference value (TRV) and a good coverage level of the diet potentially contributing to pesticide intake. The cumulative risk was also assessed for seven effects on nervous and thyroid systems using the hazard index and the Cumulative Assessment Groups defined by EFSA. Substances with the highest exposure levels under the LB scenario were, in decreasing order, imazalil, piperonyl butoxide, chlorpropham, thiabendazole, iprodione and propargite. Under the LB scenario, only for lindane did women have a statistically significant probability of exceeding the TRV (2.4%). Under the UB scenario, risk could not be excluded for nine other substances. A better management of left-censored data and more sensitive analyses of the main food contributors might help to refine the UB exposure and risk assessments. A statistically significant cumulative risk was found for neurochemical effects related to high intake levels of three organophosphate insecticides (chlorpyrifos, pirimiphos-methyl and dimethoate) mainly detected in fruits and cereals.

Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in maternal and cord blood from the maternal-infant research on environmental chemicals (MIREC) cohort study

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women are an especially important population to monitor for environmental exposures given the vulnerability of the developing fetus. During pregnancy and lactation chemical body burdens may change due to the significant physiological changes that occur. Developmental exposures to some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been linked with adverse health outcomes.

METHODS

First trimester maternal and cord blood plasma concentrations of several POPs including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)s and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in samples from 1983 pregnant women enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) cohort. Predictors of exposure were also identified.

RESULTS

In maternal plasma, there was >90 % detection for the perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), oxychlordane and PCB 138 and 153. Cord blood plasma had much lower detection rates with low or very limited detection for most PCBs and PBDEs. The PFASs were the most frequently detected (23-64 %) chemical class in cord plasma. In a subset of 1st and 3rd trimester paired samples, PFAS concentrations were found to be strongly correlated and had ICCs ranging from 0.64 (PFOA) to 0.83 (PFHxS). The cord:maternal plasma concentration ratios ranged from 0.14 (PFOS) to 0.87 (oxychlordane, lipid adjusted). Similar to other studies, we found parity, maternal age, income, education, smoking status, pre-pregnancy BMI and fish consumption to be significant predictors for most chemicals. Those participants who were foreign-born had significantly higher concentrations of organochlorinated pesticides and PCBs.

CONCLUSIONS

In the MIREC study, multiple chemical contaminants were quantified in the plasma of pregnant women. In cord plasma PFOA had the highest detection rate. However, compared to other Canadian and international population studies, the MIREC participants had lower contaminant concentrations of these substances.

Determinants of plasma PCB, brominated flame retardants, and organochlorine pesticides in pregnant women and 3 year old children in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during prenatal and postnatal life has been extensively studied in relation to adverse health effects in children.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to identify determinants of the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs; polybrominated biphenyl, PBB), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in blood samples from pregnant women and children in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa).

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from two independent subsamples within MoBa; a group of women (n=96) enrolled in mid-pregnancy during the years 2002-2008 and a group of 3 year old children (n=99) participating during 2010-2011. PCB congeners (74, 99, 138, 153, 180, 170, 194, 209, 105, 114, 118, 156, 157, 167, and 189), brominated flame retardants (PBDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, and PBB-153), as well as the OCPs hexachlorobenzene (HCB), oxychlordane, 4,4'dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and 4,4'dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were measured in both pregnant women and children.

RESULTS

Age, low parity, and low pre-pregnant BMI were the most important determinants of increased plasma concentrations of POPs in pregnant women. In 3 year old children, prolonged breastfeeding duration was a major determinant of increased POP concentrations. Estimated dietary exposure to PCBs during pregnancy was positively associated with plasma concentrations in 3 year old children, but not in pregnant women. Plasma concentrations were approximately 40% higher in children compared to pregnant women.

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors associated with exposure and toxicokinetics, i.e. accumulation, excretion and transfer via breastmilk of POPs were the main predictors of POP levels in pregnant women and children. Diet, which is the main exposure source for these compounds in the general population, was found to predict PCB levels only among children. For the PBDEs, for which non-dietary sources are more important, toxicokinetic factors appeared to have less predictive impact.

Maternal Consumption of Seafood in Pregnancy and Child Neuropsychological Development: A Longitudinal Study Based on a Population With High Consumption Levels

Seafood consumption during pregnancy is thought to be beneficial for child neuropsychological development, but to our knowledge no large cohort studies with high fatty fish consumption have analyzed the association by seafood subtype. We evaluated 1,892 and 1,589 mother-child pairs at the ages of 14 months and 5 years, respectively, in a population-based Spanish birth cohort established during 2004-2008. Bayley and McCarthy scales and the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test were used to assess neuropsychological development. Results from multivariate linear regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and further adjusted for umbilical cord blood mercury or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations. Overall, consumption of seafood above the recommended limit of 340 g/week was associated with 10-g/week increments in neuropsychological scores. By subtype, in addition to lean fish, consumption of large fatty fish showed a positive association; offspring of persons within the highest quantile (>238 g/week) had an adjusted increase of 2.29 points in McCarthy general cognitive score (95% confidence interval: 0.42, 4.16). Similar findings were observed for the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test. Beta coefficients diminished 15%-30% after adjustment for mercury or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations. Consumption of large fatty fish during pregnancy presents moderate child neuropsychological benefits, including improvements in cognitive functioning and some protection from autism-spectrum traits.

Organochlorine Compounds and Ultrasound Measurements of Fetal Growth in the INMA Cohort (Spain)

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported decreases in birth size associated with exposure to organochlorine compounds (OCs), but uncertainties remain regarding the critical windows of prenatal exposure and the effects on fetal body segments.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relationship between prenatal OC concentrations and fetal anthropometry.

METHODS

We measured 4,4´-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4´-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (138, 153, and 180) in 2,369 maternal and 1,140 cord serum samples in four Spanish cohorts (2003-2008). We used linear mixed models to obtain longitudinal growth curves for estimated fetal weight (EFW), abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), and femur length (FL) adjusted by parental and fetal characteristics. We calculated standard deviation (SD) scores of growth at 0-12, 12-20, and 20-34 weeks of gestation as well as size at gestational week 34 for the four parameters. We studied the association between OCs and the fetal outcomes by cohort-specific linear models and subsequent meta-analyses.

RESULTS

PCBs were associated with a reduction in AC up to mid-pregnancy, and BPD and FL from gestational week 20 onward. An inverse association was also found between HCB and AC growth in early pregnancy. The reduction of these parameters ranged from -4% to -2% for a doubling in the OC concentrations. No association between 4,4´-DDE and fetal growth was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to report an association between prenatal exposure to some PCBs and HCB and fetal growth: AC during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, and BPD and FL later in pregnancy.

CITATION

Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Murcia M, Iñiguez C, Vizcaino E, Costa O, Fernández-Somoano A, Basterrechea M, Lertxundi A, Guxens M, Gascon M, Goñi-Irigoyen F, Grimalt JO, Tardón A, Ballester F. 2016. Organochlorine compounds and ultrasound measurements of fetal growth in the INMA cohort (Spain). Environ Health Perspect 124:157-163; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408907.

Levels and predictors of persistent organic pollutants in an adult population from four Spanish regions

This research aimed to assess serum concentrations of a group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in a sample of adults recruited in four different regions from Spain and to assess socio-demographic, dietary, and lifestyle predictors of the exposure. The study population comprised 312 healthy adults selected from among controls recruited in the MCC-Spain multicase-control study. Study variables were collected using standardized questionnaires, and pollutants were analyzed by means of gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of log-transformed pollutant concentrations, using combined backward and forward stepwise multiple linear regression models. Detection rates ranged from 89.1% (hexachlorobenzene, HCB) to 93.6% (Polychlorinated biphenyl-153 [PCB-153]); p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) showed the highest median concentrations (1.04ng/ml), while HCB showed the lowest (0.24ng/ml). In the multivariable models, age was positively associated with HCB, p,p'-DDE, and PCB-180. BMI was associated positively with p,p'-DDE but negatively with PCB-138. Total accumulated time residing in an urban area was positively associated with PCB-153 concentrations. The women showed higher HCB and lower p,p'-DDE concentrations versus the men. Notably, POP exposure in our study population was inversely associated with the breastfeeding received by participants and with the number of pregnancies of their mothers but was not related to the participants' history of breastfeeding their children or parity. Smoking was negatively associated with HCB and PCB-153 concentrations. Consumption of fatty foods, including blue fish, was in general positively associated with POP levels. Although POP environmental levels are declining worldwide, there is a need for the continuous monitoring of human exposure in the general population. The results of the present study confirm previous findings and point to novel predictors of long-term exposure to persistent organic pollutants.