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Yalçin SS, Güneş B, Arikan K, Balçik O, Kara Ö, Yalçin S. Exploring the levels of persistent organic pollutants in umbilical cord blood and their connection to gestational age and birth weights in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:501. [PMID: 39054456 PMCID: PMC11270763 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06677-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy surrounds the impact of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on fetal development. This study aimed to investigate levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in umbilical cord blood from Şanlıurfa mothers in Turkey, exploring associations with gestational age and birth weight. METHODS Participants included voluntary mothers pregnant with a single fetus, providing details on maternal factors. Cord blood samples were collected immediately after delivery. Samples were extracted with a modified QuEChERS method, and OCPs (17 pesticides) and PCBs (11 congeners) compound levels were analyzed with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry. Detection frequencies and levels of POPs by single pollutant type and pollutant groups were calculated and compared according to gestational duration and birth weight. We used partial least squares discriminant analysis to identify the key chemicals and distinguish their respective statuses. RESULTS Among 120 infants, 35 were preterm but appropriate for gestational age, 35 were term but small for gestational age (SGA), and 50 were term and appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Beta HCH, Oxy-Chlordan, and PCB 28, were not detected in cord blood samples. Half of the samples contained at least 4 types of OCPs, with a median OCP level of 38.44 ng/g. Among the DDT, 2,4'-DDE was found at the highest concentration in cord plasma samples. The PCB congeners with a frequency exceeding 50% were ranked in the following order: 151, 149, 138, 146. The median level of ∑PCBs was 5.93 ng/g. Male infants born at term with SGA status exhibited lower levels of ∑DDTs, ∑OCPs compared to male infants born preterm or at term with AGA status. Di-ortho-substituted PCBs and hexachlorinated PCBs were higher in male infants born at term with SGA status than male infants born preterm with AGA status. CONCLUSION Overall, exposure to DDT and PCBs demonstrates varying effects depending on gestational duration and birth weight, with exposure levels also differing by gender. This underscores the necessity for studies across diverse populations that investigate the combined effects of multiple pollutant exposures on gestational age, birth weight, and gender simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sıddika Songül Yalçin
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Bülent Güneş
- Child Health and Disease Service, Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Kalender Arikan
- Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Education, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Pesticide Research and Reference Laboratory, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Orhan Balçik
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, Private Şan Med Hospital, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Özcan Kara
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, Private Şan Med Hospital, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Suzan Yalçin
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
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Chen X, Birnbaum LS, Babich MA, de Boer J, White KW, Barone S, Fehrenbacher C, Stapleton HM. Opportunities in Assessing and Regulating Organohalogen Flame Retardants (OFRs) as a Class in Consumer Products. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:15001. [PMID: 38175186 PMCID: PMC10766010 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2015, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received and then, in 2017, granted a petition under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to declare certain groups of consumer products as banned hazardous substances if they contain nonpolymeric, additive organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs). The petitioners asked the CPSC to regulate OFRs as a single chemical class with similar health effects. The CPSC later sponsored a National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report in 2019, which ultimately identified 161 OFRs and grouped them into 14 subclasses based on chemical structural similarity. In 2021, a follow-up discussion was held among a group of scientists from both inside and outside of the CPSC for current research on OFRs and to promote collaboration that could increase public awareness of CPSC work and support the class-based approach for the CPSC's required risk assessment of OFRs. OBJECTIVES Given the extensive data collected to date, there is a need to synthesize what is known about OFR and how class-based regulations have previously managed this information. This commentary discusses both OFR exposure and OFR toxicity and fills some gaps for OFR exposure that were not within the scope of the NASEM report. The objective of this commentary is therefore to provide an overview of the OFR research presented at SOT 2021, explore opportunities and challenges associated with OFR risk assessment, and inform CPSC's work on an OFR class-based approach. DISCUSSION A class-based approach for regulating OFRs can be successful. Expanding the use of read-across and the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in assessing and regulating existing chemicals was considered as a necessary part of the class-based process. Recommendations for OFR class-based risk assessment include the need to balance fire and chemical safety and to protect vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women. The authors also suggest the CPSC should consider global, federal, and state OFR regulations. The lack of data or lack of concordance in toxicity data could present significant hurdles for some OFR subclasses. The potential for cumulative risks within or between subclasses, OFR mixtures, and metabolites common to more than one OFR all add extra complexity for class-based risk assessment. This commentary discusses scientific and regulatory challenges for a class-based approach suggested by NASEM. This commentary is offered as a resource for anyone performing class-based assessments and to provide potential collaboration opportunities for OFR stakeholders. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12725.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Chen
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Linda S. Birnbaum
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jacob de Boer
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Stanley Barone
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Engelsman M, Banks APW, He C, Nilsson S, Blake D, Jayarthne A, Ishaq Z, Toms LML, Wang X. An Exploratory Analysis of Firefighter Reproduction through Survey Data and Biomonitoring. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085472. [PMID: 37107753 PMCID: PMC10138572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are occupationally exposed to chemicals that may affect fertility. To investigate this effect, firefighters were recruited to contribute blood, urine, breast milk or semen samples to (1) evaluate chemical concentrations and semen parameters against fertility standards and the general population; (2) assess correlations between chemical concentrations and demographics, fire exposure and reproductive history; and (3) consider how occupational exposures may affect reproduction. A total of 774 firefighters completed the online survey, and 97 firefighters produced 125 urine samples, 113 plasma samples, 46 breast milk samples and 23 semen samples. Blood, urine and breast milk samples were analysed for chemical concentrations (semivolatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds, metals). Semen samples were analysed for quality (volume, count, motility, morphology). Firefighter semen parameters were below WHO reference values across multiple parameters. Self-reported rates of miscarriage were higher than the general population (22% vs. 12-15%) and in line with prior firefighter studies. Estimated daily intake for infants was above reference values for multiple chemicals in breast milk. More frequent fire incident exposure (more than once per fortnight), longer duration of employment (≥15 years) or not always using a breathing apparatus demonstrated significantly higher concentrations across a range of investigated chemicals. Findings of this study warrant further research surrounding the risk occupational exposure has on reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Engelsman
- Fire and Rescue NSW, Greenacre, NSW 2190, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrew P. W. Banks
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Chang He
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - Ayomi Jayarthne
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zubaria Ishaq
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree L. Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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Eick SM, Tan Y, Taibl KR, Barry Ryan P, Barr DB, Hüls A, Eatman JA, Panuwet P, D'Souza PE, Yakimavets V, Lee GE, Brennan PA, Corwin EJ, Dunlop AL, Liang D. Prenatal exposure to persistent and non-persistent chemical mixtures and associations with adverse birth outcomes in the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023:10.1038/s41370-023-00530-4. [PMID: 36841843 PMCID: PMC10450095 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND African Americans (AAs) experience higher rates of preterm birth and fetal growth restriction relative to other pregnant populations. Differential in utero exposure to environmental chemicals may partially explain these health disparities, as AAs are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards. OBJECTIVE We examined the individual and mixture effects of non-persistent chemicals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on gestational age at birth and birthweight for gestational age z-scores within a prospective cohort of pregnant AAs. METHODS First-trimester serum and urine samples obtained from participants within the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child cohort were analyzed for 43 environmental chemicals, including per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides, pyrethroid insecticides, phthalates, bisphenol A, nicotine, and the primary metabolite of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Linear regression was used to estimate individual associations between chemicals and gestational age and birthweight z-scores (N ranging from 107 to 523). Mixture associations were estimated using quantile g-computation, principal component (PC) analyses, and hierarchical Bayesian kernel machine regression among complete cases (N = 86). RESULTS Using quantile g-computation, increasing all chemical exposures by one quantile was modestly associated with a reduction in gestational age (mean change per quartile increase = -0.47, 95% CI = -1.56, 0.61) and birthweight z-scores (mean change per quartile increase = -0.49, 95% CI = -1.14, 0.15). All PCs were associated with a reduction in birthweight z-scores; associations were greatest in magnitude for the two PCs reflecting exposure to combined tobacco, insecticides, PBDEs, and phthalates. In single pollutant models, we observed inconsistent and largely non-significant associations. SIGNIFANCE We conducted multiple targeted exposure assessment methods to quantify levels of environmental chemicals and leveraged mixture methods to quantify their joint effects on gestational age and birthweight z-scores. Our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to multiple classes of persistent and non-persistent chemicals is associated with reduced gestational age and birthweight z-scores in AAs. IMPACT African Americans (AAs) experience higher rates of preterm birth and fetal growth restriction relative to other pregnant populations. Differential in utero exposure to environmental chemicals may partially explain these health disparities, as AAs are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards. In the present study, we analyzed serum and urine samples for levels of 43 environmental chemicals. We used quantile g-computation, principal component analysis, and BKMR to assess associations between chemical exposure mixtures and adverse birth outcomes. Our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to multiple classes of chemicals is associated with reduced birthweight z-scores, a proxy for fetal growth, in AAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Eick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Youran Tan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kaitlin R Taibl
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - P Barry Ryan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anke Hüls
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jasmin A Eatman
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Priya E D'Souza
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Volha Yakimavets
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Grace E Lee
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Anne L Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donghai Liang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Reddam A, Sjödin A, Cowell W, Jones R, Wang S, Perera F, Herbstman JB, Kupsco A. Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and birth outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114830. [PMID: 36400221 PMCID: PMC9729424 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were used as flame retardants and from their end-use products they can be released to accumulate within indoor environments. This may result in exposures to pregnant women with potential adverse effects on the developing fetus. While studies have shown associations between prenatal PBDE exposure and poor birth outcomes, research has mainly focused on birth weight and gestational age and may miss important indicators of newborn size. METHODS The sample included a cohort of Dominican and African American mother-child pairs from New York City recruited from 1998 to 2006. PBDE congeners (BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, and BDE-153) were measured in cord serum at birth and dichotomized into low (<80th percentile) and high (>80th percentile) categories. Weight, length, head circumference, and gestational age were measured at birth and the ponderal index (birth weight/length x 100), size for gestational age, and population-based z-scores were calculated (n = 305). Separate regression analyses were conducted to estimate associations between PBDEs or PBDE sum (ng/g lipid) and birth outcomes. Quantile g-computation was performed to estimate the effect of total PBDE mixture. We also assessed effect modification by sex and ethnicity. RESULTS Adjusting for relevant covariates, the high exposure category of BDE-153 was associated with lower birth weight z-score (-0.25, 95% CI: -0.5, 0.0) and longer gestation (0.43 weeks, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.79). The high exposure category of BDE-99 was associated with lower birth length z-score (-0.55, 95% CI: -0.98, -0.12). There was a negative association between the overall PBDE mixture and birth length z-score (-0.10, 95% CI: -0.21, 0.00) per 1 quintile increase in PBDEs. There was no effect modification by sex or ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that prenatal exposures to BDE-153, BDE-99, and total PBDE mixture are associated with birth outcomes in a cohort of Dominican and African American newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalekhya Reddam
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Whitney Cowell
- Division of Environmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard Jones
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frederica Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Allison Kupsco
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Singh V, Cortes-Ramirez J, Toms LM, Sooriyagoda T, Karatela S. Effects of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on Hormonal and Reproductive Health in E-Waste-Exposed Population: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137820. [PMID: 35805479 PMCID: PMC9265575 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste management is a global rising concern that is primarily being handled by informal recycling practices. These release a mix of potentially hazardous chemicals, which is an important public health concern. These chemicals include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants in electronic parts, which are persistent in nature and show bioaccumulative characteristics. Although PBDEs are suspected endocrine disruptors, particularly targeting thyroid and reproductive hormone functions, the relationship of PBDEs with these health effects are not well established. We used the Navigation Guide methodology to conduct a systematic review of studies in populations exposed to e-waste to better understand the relationships of these persistent flame retardants with hormonal and reproductive health. We assessed nineteen studies that fit our pre-determined inclusion criteria for risk of bias, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and other criteria that helped rate the overall evidence for its quality and strength of evidence. The studies suggest PBDEs may have an adverse effect on thyroid hormones, reproductive hormones, semen quality, and neonatal health. However, more research is required to establish a relationship of these effects in the e-waste-exposed population. We identified the limitations of the data available and made recommendations for future scientific work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Singh
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia; (L.-M.T.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Javier Cortes-Ramirez
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia;
- Children’s Health and Environment Program, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Universidad de Santander, Cúcuta 540003, Colombia
| | - Leisa-Maree Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia; (L.-M.T.); (T.S.)
| | - Thilakshika Sooriyagoda
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia; (L.-M.T.); (T.S.)
| | - Shamshad Karatela
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Mackay, QLD 4740, Australia
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