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Barrea C, Dufour P, Catherine P, Charlier C, Brevers F, Parent AS, Rousselle L. Neuromotor effects of early-life exposure to a mixture of endocrine disruptors in Belgian preschool children. Environ Health 2025; 24:11. [PMID: 40091032 PMCID: PMC11912637 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-025-01156-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children gradually develop motor skills that enable them to move efficiently in various daily activities such as self-care, academics and sports. The impact of prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDCs) on these performances remains understudied and current results are inconsistent. This study aims at examining the neuromotor function of Belgian preschoolers exposed in utero to a mixture of some of these chemicals. METHODS From 2014 to 2016, 66 children (35 boys and 31 girls) were recruited for a longitudinal cohort study. Two polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and four perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in cord serum. A standardized motor evaluation, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children II (MABC-II), and a clinical sensori-motor assessment examining minor neurological dysfunction were administered at 6 years of age. The impact of the mixture of EDCs on neuromotor outcome measures was evaluated using two validated statistical models. Sex-specific analyses were also conducted. RESULTS Using a principal component analysis, a negative association was identified between a mixture of PCB-153 and - 180 and the Total Clinical examination score in the whole population (β (95% CI) = -15.8 (-26.51; -5.09), p = 0.005). After stratification by sex, negative associations were observed between the Gross Motor score of the MABC-II test and prenatal exposure to a mixture of PFASs and PCB-180, specifically in boys. This association was consistent across both the weighted quantile sum regression model (β (95% CI) = -2.36 (-3.42; -0.62), p = 0.023) and the principal component approach (β (95% CI) = -1.09 (-2.15; -0.13), p = 0.044). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the neuromotor function of young children is adversely influenced by prenatal exposure to toxicants in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Barrea
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, Liege, 4000, Belgium.
- GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, Liege, 4000, Belgium.
- CHU University of Liege, 1, Avenue de l'Hôpital, Liège, 4000, Belgium.
| | - Patrice Dufour
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, Liege, 4000, Belgium
| | - Pirard Catherine
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, Liege, 4000, Belgium
| | - Corinne Charlier
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, Liege, 4000, Belgium
| | - Fanny Brevers
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health and Education, University of Liege (ULg), Liege, 4000, Belgium
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, Liege, 4000, Belgium
- GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, Liege, 4000, Belgium
| | - Laurence Rousselle
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health and Education, University of Liege (ULg), Liege, 4000, Belgium
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Brambilla MM, Perrone S, Shulhai AM, Ponzi D, Paterlini S, Pisani F, Rollo D, Pelosi A, Street ME, Palanza P. Systematic review on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in breastmilk and neuro-behavioral development: Insight into the early ages of life. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2025; 169:106028. [PMID: 39880346 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106028] [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: 09/26/2024] [Revised: 01/10/2025] [Accepted: 01/23/2025] [Indexed: 01/31/2025]
Abstract
Breast milk (BM) is the main nutrition source for infants that plays a key role on growth and development. Human milk composition includes endogenous and exogenous substances, including endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are man-made environmental chemicals present in everyday environment and food that can disrupt the programming of endocrine signalling pathways during development, resulting in adverse effects that may not be apparent until much later in life. The presence of single and/or mixtures of EDCs in BM has been shown to be associated with impairment of reproductive, metabolic, immunologic system and neurobehavioral developmental outcomes. This systematic review discusses the current knowledge about the presence of EDCs in BM, and their potential effects on infant outcomes during the first six years of life. Following PRISMA guidelines, we made a systematic evaluation of the literature on the effects of single and mixtures EDC on (i) mental and psychomotor development; (ii) socio-communicative and behavioral development. Negative association between EDC exposure and developmental areas considered emerged highlighting: (i) BM as a potential key matrix for the monitoring of EDC exposure (ii) the short- and long-term negative effect on infant neuro-behavioral outcomes, and (iii) the importance of public health efforts to reduce maternal and infant EDC exposure. However, heterogeneous results found emphasizes the need to further longitudinal studies to consider factors that can lower EDC exposure or exert a protective role on infant neurodevelopment, and to better understand the mechanism behind the EDCs and its effects on infant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Maddalena Brambilla
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy; University Hospital of Parma (AOUPR), Parma 43126, Italy.
| | - Serafina Perrone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy; University Hospital of Parma (AOUPR), Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Anna-Mariia Shulhai
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy; University Hospital of Parma (AOUPR), Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Davide Ponzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Silvia Paterlini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Dolores Rollo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pelosi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Maria Elisabeth Street
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy; University Hospital of Parma (AOUPR), Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Paola Palanza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
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Barrea C, Dufour P, Catherine P, Charlier C, Brevers F, Rousselle L, Parent AS. Impact of antenatal exposure to a mixture of persistent organic pollutants on intellectual development. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 261:114422. [PMID: 38981323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114422] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Strong experimental evidence exists that several endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have neurobehavioral toxicity. However, evidence of associations between prenatal exposure and child's cognitive development is inconsistent. Moreover, toxicants are generally analyzed one by one without considering aggregate effects. We examined here the impact of a prenatal exposure to a mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on intellectual abilities in preschool children, and compared their effects to those described in the literature. METHODS Sixty-two children were included in a longitudinal cohort. Four organochlorine pesticides, four polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and seven perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were measured in cord blood. Intellectual abilities were assessed at 6 years of age using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence 4th ed. (WPPSI-IV). We examined the associations between a mixture of POPs and cognitive performances using principal components approach (PCA) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression taking sex difference into account. RESULTS No negative correlation was found when analyses were performed on boys and girls together. In sex-stratified analyses, lower scores in full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and fluid reasoning index (FRI) were observed in boys most exposed to a mixture of POPs. Increase of the WQS index was also associated with lower verbal comprehension index (VCI) scores in girls only. No other negative correlation was found using both WQS and PCA models. CONCLUSION Our study suggests deleterious associations between antenatal exposure to a mixture of POPs and sex-specific cognitive level, clarifying some trends described in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Barrea
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, 4000, Liege, Belgium; GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
| | - Patrice Dufour
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Pirard Catherine
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Corinne Charlier
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Fanny Brevers
- Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health and Education, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Laurence Rousselle
- Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health and Education, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, 4000, Liege, Belgium; GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liege (ULg), CHU, 4000, Liege, Belgium
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Balalian AA, Stingone JA, Kahn LG, Herbstman JB, Graeve RI, Stellman SD, Factor-Litvak P. Perinatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and child neurodevelopment: A comprehensive systematic review of outcomes and methodological approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118912. [PMID: 38615789 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), extensively used in various products, prompt ongoing concern despite reduced exposure since the 1970s. This systematic review explores prenatal PCB and hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PCBs) exposure's association with child neurodevelopment. Encompassing cognitive, motor development, behavior, attention, ADHD, and ASD risks, it also evaluates diverse methodological approaches in studies. METHODS PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched through August 23, 2023, by predefined search strings. Peer-reviewed studies published in English were included. The inclusion criteria were: (i) PCBs/OH-PCBs measured directly in maternal and cord blood, placenta or breast milk collected in the perinatal period; (ii) outcomes of cognitive development, motor development, attention, behavior, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children≤18 years old. Quality assessment followed the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's tool. RESULTS Overall, 87 studies were included in this review. We found evidence for the association between perinatal PCB exposure and adverse cognitive development and attention issues in middle childhood. There appeared to be no or negligible link between perinatal PCB exposure and early childhood motor development or the risk of ADHD/ASD. There was an indication of a sex-specific association with worse cognition and attention scores among boys. Some individual studies suggested a possible association between prenatal exposure to OH-PCBs and neurodevelopmental outcomes. There was significant heterogeneity between the studies in exposure markers, exposure assessment timing, outcome assessment, and statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS Significant methodological, clinical and statistical heterogeneity existed in the included studies. Adverse effects on cognitive development and attention were observed in middle childhood. Little or no apparent link on both motor development and risk of ADHD/ASD was observed in early childhood. Inconclusive evidence prevailed regarding other neurodevelopmental aspects due to limited studies. Future research could further explore sex-specific associations and evaluate associations at lower exposure levels post-PCB ban in the US. It should also consider OH-PCB metabolites, co-pollutants, mixtures, and their potential interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arin A Balalian
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Question Driven Design and Analysis Group (QD-DAG), New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jeanette A Stingone
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linda G Kahn
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard I Graeve
- Institute for Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle Saale, Germany
| | - Steven D Stellman
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Reimann B, Remy S, Koppen G, Schoeters G, Den Hond E, Nelen V, Franken C, Covaci A, Bruckers L, Baeyens W, Loots I, van Larebeke N, Voorspoels S, De Henauw S, Nawrot TS, Plusquin M. Prenatal exposure to mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and organochlorines affects cognition in adolescence independent of postnatal exposure. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 257:114346. [PMID: 38447259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114346] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on cognitive and neurodevelopmental outcomes have shown inconsistent results regarding the association with prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) and organochlorines. Assessment of mixture effects of correlated chemical exposures that persist in later life may contribute to the unbiased evaluation and understanding of dose-response associations in real-life exposures. METHODS For a subset of the 4th Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS), concentrations of four PFAS and six organochlorines were measured in respectively 99 and 153-160 cord plasma samples and 15 years later in adolescents' peripheral serum by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Sustained and selective attention were measured at 14-15 years with the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Stroop Test as indicators of potential neurodevelopmental deficits. Quantile g-computation was applied to assess the joint associations between prenatal exposure to separate and combined groups of PFAS and organochlorines and performance in the CPT and Stroop Test at adolescence. Subsequently, individual effects of each chemical compound were analyzed in mixed effects models with two sets of covariates. Analytical data at birth and at the time of cognitive assessment allowed for off-setting postnatal exposure. RESULTS In mixtures analysis, a simultaneous one-quantile increase in the natural log-transformed values of PFAS and organochlorines combined was associated with a decrease in the mean reaction time (RT) and the reaction time variability (RTV) in the CPT (β = -15.54, 95% CI:-29.64, -1.45, and β = -7.82, 95% CI: -14.97, -0.67 respectively) and for the mixture of PFAS alone with RT (β = -11.94, 95% CI: -23.29, -0.60). In the single pollutant models, these results were confirmed for the association between perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) with RT (β = -17.95, 95% CI = -33.35, -2.69) and hexachlorobenzene with RTV in the CPT (β = -5.78, 95% CI: -10.39, -0.76). Furthermore, the participants with prenatal exposure above the limit of quantification for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) had a significantly shorter RT and RTV in the CPT (β = -23.38, 95% CI: -41.55, -5.94, and β = -9.54, 95% CI: -19.75, -0.43, respectively). CONCLUSION Higher prenatal exposure to a PFAS mixture and a mixture of PFAS and organochlorines combined was associated with better sustained and selective attention during adolescence. The associations seemed to be driven by PFHxS and were not linked to exposure levels at the time of assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Reimann
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO), Environmental Toxicology Unit, Mol, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO), Environmental Toxicology Unit, Mol, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium; Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Gouverneur Kingsbergencentrum, Doornstraat 331, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carmen Franken
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- Data Science Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Ilse Loots
- University of Antwerp, Department of Sociology (CRESC and IMDO), Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicolas van Larebeke
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Elsene, Belgium; Study Centre for Carcinogenesis and Primary Prevention of Cancer, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Voorspoels
- Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO), Environmental Toxicology Unit, Mol, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; School of Public Health, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Leuven University, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Płotka-Wasylka J, Mulkiewicz E, Lis H, Godlewska K, Kurowska-Susdorf A, Sajid M, Lambropoulou D, Jatkowska N. Endocrine disrupting compounds in the baby's world - A harmful environment to the health of babies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163350. [PMID: 37023800 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Globally, there has been a significant increase in awareness of the adverse effects of chemicals with known or suspected endocrine-acting properties on human health. Human exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) mainly occurs by ingestion and to some extent by inhalation and dermal uptake. Although it is difficult to assess the full impact of human exposure to EDCs, it is well known that timing of exposure is of importance and therefore infants are more vulnerable to EDCs and are at greater risk compared to adults. In this regard, infant safety and assessment of associations between prenatal exposure to EDCs and growth during infancy and childhood has been received considerable attention in the last years. Hence, the purpose of this review is to provide a current update on the evidence from biomonitoring studies on the exposure of infants to EDCs and a comprehensive view of the uptake, the mechanisms of action and biotransformation in baby/human body. Analytical methods used and concentration levels of EDCs in different biological matrices (e.g., placenta, cord plasma, amniotic fluid, breast milk, urine, and blood of pregnant women) are also discussed. Finally, key issues and recommendations were provided to avoid hazardous exposure to these chemicals, taking into account family and lifestyle factors related to this exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Płotka-Wasylka
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 G. Narutowicza St., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 G. Narutowicza St., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Ewa Mulkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 63 Wita Stwosza Street, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Hanna Lis
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 63 Wita Stwosza Street, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Klaudia Godlewska
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 63 Wita Stwosza Street, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Muhammad Sajid
- Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dimitra Lambropoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Environmental Pollution Control Laboratory, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, Thessaloniki GR-57001, Greece
| | - Natalia Jatkowska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 G. Narutowicza St., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland.
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Ngoubeyou PSK, Wolkersdorfer C, Ndibewu PP, Augustyn W. Toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyls in aquatic environments - A review. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 251:106284. [PMID: 36087490 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their congeners resulting from the pollution of all environmental media is inherently related to its persistence and ubiquitous nature. In principle, determination of this class of contaminants are limited to the determination of their concentrations in the various environmental matrices. For solving many problems in this context, knowledge of the emission sources of PCBs, transport pathways, and sites of contamination and biomagnification is of great benefit to scientists and researchers, as well as many regulatory organizations. By far the largest amounts of PCBs, regardless of their discharged points, end up in the soil, sediment and finally in different aquatic environments. By reviewing relevant published materials, the source of origin of PCBs in the environment particularly from different pollution point sources, it is possible to obtain useful information on the nature of different materials that are sources of PCBs, or their concentrations and their toxicity or health effects and how they can be removed from contaminated media. This review focuses on the sources of PCBs in aquatic environments and critically reviews the toxicity of PCBs in aquatic animals and plants. The review also assesses the toxicity equivalency factors (TEFs) of PCBs providing valuable knowledge to other scientists and researchers that enables regulatory laws to be formulated based on selective determination of concentrations regarding their maximum permissible limits (MPLs) allowed. This review also supplies a pool of valuable information useful for designing decontamination technologies for PCBs in media like soil, sediment, and wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Wolkersdorfer
- Tshwane University of Technology, SARChI Chair for Mine Water Treatment, Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Peter Papoh Ndibewu
- Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Chemistry, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Wilma Augustyn
- Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Chemistry, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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Yim G, Minatoya M, Kioumourtzoglou MA, Bellavia A, Weisskopf M, Ikeda-Araki A, Miyashita C, Kishi R. The associations of prenatal exposure to dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls with neurodevelopment at 6 Months of age: Multi-pollutant approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 209:112757. [PMID: 35065939 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants, including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), and nondioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs), has been hypothesized to have a detrimental impact on neurodevelopment. However, the association of prenatal exposure to a dioxin and PCB mixture with neurodevelopment remains largely inconclusive partly because these chemical levels are correlated. OBJECTIVES We aimed to elucidate the association of in utero exposure to a mixture of dioxins and PCBs with neurodevelopment measured at 6 months of age by applying multipollutant methods. METHODS A total of 514 pregnant women were recruited between July 2002 and October 2005 in the Sapporo cohort, Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health. The concentrations of individual dioxin and PCB isomers were assessed in maternal peripheral blood during pregnancy. The mental and psychomotor development of the study participants' infants was evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-2nd Edition (n = 259). To determine both the joint and individual associations of prenatal exposure to a dioxin and PCB mixture with infant neurodevelopment, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile-based g-computation were employed. RESULTS Suggestive inverse associations were observed between in utero exposure to a dioxin and PCB mixture and infant psychomotor development in both the BKMR and quantile g-computation models. In contrast, we found no association of a dioxin and PCB mixture with mental development. When group-specific posterior inclusion probabilities were estimated, BKMR suggested prenatal exposure to mono-ortho PCBs as the more important contributing factors to early psychomotor development compared with the other dioxin or PCB groups. No evidence of nonlinear exposure-outcome relationships or interactions among the chemical mixtures was detected. CONCLUSIONS Applying the two complementary statistical methods for chemical mixture analysis, we demonstrated limited evidence of inverse associations of prenatal exposure to dioxins and PCBs with infant psychomotor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyeyoon Yim
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Machiko Minatoya
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | | | - Andrea Bellavia
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Atsuko Ikeda-Araki
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan; Hokkaido University Faculty of Health Sciences, Kita 12, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
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Ramírez V, Gálvez-Ontiveros Y, González-Domenech PJ, Baca MÁ, Rodrigo L, Rivas A. Role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in children's neurodevelopment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111890. [PMID: 34418446 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Environmental stressors, like endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC), are considered important contributors to the increased rates of neurodevelopmental dysfunctions. Considering the cumulative research on adverse neurodevelopmental effects associated with prenatal exposure to EDC, the purpose of this study was to review the available limited literature about the effects of postnatal exposure to EDC on child neurodevelopment and behaviour. Despite widespread children's exposure to EDC, there are a limited number of epidemiological studies on the association of this exposure with neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular in the postnatal period. The available research suggests that postnatal EDC exposure is related to adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in children; however the underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. Timing of exposure is a key factor determining potential neurodevelopmental consequences, hence studying the impact of multiple EDC co-exposure in different vulnerable life periods could guide the identification of sensitive subpopulations. Most of the reviewed studies did not take into account sex differences in the EDC effects on children neurodevelopment. We believe that the inclusion of sex in the study design should be considered as the role of EDC on children neurodevelopment are likely sex-specific and should be taken into consideration when determining susceptibility and potential mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Ramírez
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Yolanda Gálvez-Ontiveros
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo José González-Domenech
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Lourdes Rodrigo
- Department of Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Ana Rivas
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain
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10
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Simeone RM, Howards PP, Anderson E, Jusko TA, Drobná B, Kočan A, Čonka K, Fabišiková A, Murínová ĽP, Canfield RL, Sonneborn D, Wimmerová S, Thevenet-Morrison K, Trnovec T, Hertz-Picciotto I, Šovčíková E. Pre- and postnatal polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and cognitive and behavioral development at age 45 Months in a cohort of Slovak children. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132375. [PMID: 34597632 PMCID: PMC8629853 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of associations of pre- and postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with cognitive development beyond early childhood is inconsistent. A previous report from this cohort observed adverse associations between early life PCB exposures and infant Bayley scores at age 16 months. The present study examines pre- and postnatal PCB exposures in relation to both behavior and cognitive development at age 45 months. Participants were 472 mother-child pairs residing in an area of eastern Slovakia characterized by environmental contamination with PCBs, which resulted in elevated blood serum concentrations. PCB-153 and PCB-118 concentrations were measured in maternal and in infant 6-, 16-, and 45-month serum samples. At age 45 months, children were administered five subtests of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III), and mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Negative binomial and multiple linear regressions were used to estimate PCB-CBCL and PCB-WPPSI-III subtest score associations, respectively. Pre- and postnatal levels of PCB-153 and PCB-118 were not associated with cognitive performance on the WPPSI-III in this cohort. There was some suggestion that higher postnatal PCB concentrations were associated with more sleep problems and feelings of depression and anxiousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina M Simeone
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Penelope P Howards
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Anderson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Todd A Jusko
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Anton Kočan
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Čonka
- Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anna Fabišiková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Dean Sonneborn
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Kelly Thevenet-Morrison
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
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11
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Goodman M, Li J, Flanders WD, Mahood D, Anthony LG, Zhang Q, LaKind JS. Epidemiology of PCBs and neurodevelopment: Systematic assessment of multiplicity and completeness of reporting. GLOBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gloepi.2020.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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12
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LaKind JS, Lehmann GM, Davis MH, Hines EP, Marchitti SA, Alcala C, Lorber M. Infant Dietary Exposures to Environmental Chemicals and Infant/Child Health: A Critical Assessment of the Literature. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:96002. [PMID: 30256157 PMCID: PMC6375563 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The benefits of breastfeeding to the infant and mother have been well documented. It is also well known that breast milk contains environmental chemicals, and numerous epidemiological studies have explored relationships between background levels of chemicals in breast milk and health outcomes in infants and children. OBJECTIVES In this paper, we examine epidemiological literature to address the following question: Are infant exposures to background levels of environmental chemicals in breast milk and formula associated with adverse health effects? We critically review this literature a) to explore whether exposure-outcome associations are observed across studies, and b) to assess the literature quality. METHODS We reviewed literature identified from electronic literature searches. We explored whether exposure-outcome associations are observed across studies by assessing the quality (using a modified version of a previously published quality assessment tool), consistency, and strengths and weaknesses in the literature. The epidemiological literature included cohorts from several countries and examined infants/children either once or multiple times over weeks to years. Health outcomes included four broad categories: growth and maturation, morbidity, biomarkers, and neurodevelopment. RESULTS The available literature does not provide conclusive evidence of consistent or clinically relevant health consequences to infants exposed to environmental chemicals in breast milk at background levels. CONCLUSIONS It is clear that more research would better inform our understanding of the potential for health impacts from infant dietary exposures to environmental chemicals. A critical data gap is a lack of research on environmental chemicals in formula and infant/child health outcomes. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1954.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy S LaKind
- 1 LaKind Associates, LLC, Catonsville, Maryland, USA
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Geniece M Lehmann
- 3 Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park , North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew H Davis
- 4 Office of Children's Health Protection, U.S. EPA, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Erin P Hines
- 3 Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park , North Carolina, USA
| | - Satori A Marchitti
- 5 Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), ORD, U.S. EPA, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Cecilia Alcala
- 6 Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), ORD, U.S. EPA, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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13
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Nakajima S, Saijo Y, Miyashita C, Ikeno T, Sasaki S, Kajiwara J, Kishi R. Sex-specific differences in effect of prenatal exposure to dioxin-like compounds on neurodevelopment in Japanese children: Sapporo cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 159:222-231. [PMID: 28803151 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consistent reports are not available on the effects of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD)/ polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) (dioxin-like compounds [DLCs]) on child neurodevelopment. Further, the effect of background-level exposure to individual DLC isomers is not known. OBJECTIVES We carried out the Sapporo cohort study to evaluate the effect of prenatal exposure to each DLC isomer on child neurodevelopment at 6 and 18 months of age, and assessed sex-specific differences in these effects. METHODS The levels of all and each individual DLC isomers were estimated in maternal peripheral blood. Neurodevelopment was evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-2nd Edition for 6-month-old infants (n = 190) and 18-month-old children (n = 121). RESULTS In male children, levels of 10 DLC isomers were significantly negatively associated with the Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) at 6 months of age after adjustment for potential confounding variables. However, at 18 months of age, these associations were absent. In female children, the level of only one DLC isomer was significantly negatively associated with PDI at 6 months of age. However, in contrast to the male children, the levels of six DLC isomers in 18-month-old female children were significantly positively associated with the Mental Developmental Index. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that adverse neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal background-level exposure to DLCs may be stronger in male children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonomi Nakajima
- School of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical University, Minami 1, Nishi 17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan.
| | - Yasuaki Saijo
- Department of Health Sciences, Asahikawa Medical University, Midorigaoka-Higashi 2-1-1-1, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan.
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Tamiko Ikeno
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.
| | - Junboku Kajiwara
- Fukuoka Institute of Health and Environmental Sciences, Mukaizano 39, Dazaifu 818-0135, Japan.
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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14
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Fournier K, Baumont E, Glorennec P, Bonvallot N. Relative toxicity for indoor semi volatile organic compounds based on neuronal death. Toxicol Lett 2017; 279:33-42. [PMID: 28709981 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.07.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semi Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) are contaminants commonly found in dwellings as a result of their use as plasticizers, flame retardants, or pesticides in building materials and consumer products. Many SVOCs are suspected of being neurotoxic, based on mammal experimentation (impairment of locomotor activity, spatial learning/memory or behavioral changes), raising the question of cumulative risk assessment. The aim of this work is to estimate the relative toxicity of such SVOCs, based on neuronal death. METHOD SVOCs fulfilling the following conditions were included: detection frequency >10% in dwellings, availability of data on effects or mechanism of action for neurotoxicity, and availability of dose-response relationships based on cell viability assays as a proxy of neuronal death. Benchmark concentration values (BMC) were estimated using a Hill model, and compared to assess relative toxicity. RESULTS Of the 58 SVOCs selected, 28 were suspected of being neurotoxic in mammals, and 21 have been documented as inducing a decrease in cell viability in vitro. 13 have at least one dose-response relationship that can be used to derive a BMC based on a 10% fall in neuronal viability. Based on this in vitro endpoint, PCB-153 appeared to be the most toxic compound, having the lowest BMC10 (0.072μM) and diazinon the least toxic compound, having the highest BMC10 (94.35μM). We showed that experimental designs (in particular choice of cell lines) had a significant influence on BMC calculation. CONCLUSION For the first time, the relative in vitro toxicity of 13 indoor contaminants belonging to different chemical families has been assessed on the basis of neuronal cell viability. Lack of comparable toxicity datasets limits the number of SVOCs that can be included. More standardized protocols in terms of cell lines, species and exposure duration should be developed with a view to cumulative risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Fournier
- EHESP School of Public Health, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France; INSERM UMR1085 IRSET (Research Institute in Environmental and Occupational Health), Rennes, France.
| | - Emmanuel Baumont
- EHESP School of Public Health, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France; INSERM UMR1085 IRSET (Research Institute in Environmental and Occupational Health), Rennes, France.
| | - Philippe Glorennec
- EHESP School of Public Health, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France; INSERM UMR1085 IRSET (Research Institute in Environmental and Occupational Health), Rennes, France.
| | - Nathalie Bonvallot
- EHESP School of Public Health, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France; INSERM UMR1085 IRSET (Research Institute in Environmental and Occupational Health), Rennes, France.
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15
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Ruiz JDC, Quackenboss JJ, Tulve NS. Contributions of a Child's Built, Natural, and Social Environments to Their General Cognitive Ability: A Systematic Scoping Review. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147741. [PMID: 26840411 PMCID: PMC4739499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of a child's cognitive ability is complex, with research suggesting that it is not attributed to a single determinant or even a defined period of exposure. Rather, cognitive development is the product of cumulative interactions with the environment, both negative and positive, over the life course. The aim of this systematic scoping review was to collate evidence associated with children's cognitive health, including inherent factors as well as chemical and non-chemical stressors from the built, natural, and social environments. Three databases were used to identify recent epidemiological studies (2003-2013) that examined exposure factors associated with general cognitive ability in children. Over 100 factors were evaluated from 258 eligible studies. We found that recent literature mainly assessed the hypothesized negative effects of either inherent factors or chemical exposures present in the physical environment. Prenatal growth, sleep health, lead and water pollutants showed consistent negative effects. Of the few studies that examined social stressors, results consistently showed cognitive development to be influenced by both positive and negative social interactions at home, in school or the community. Among behavioral factors related to diet and lifestyle choices of the mother, breastfeeding was the most studied, showing consistent positive associations with cognitive ability. There were mostly inconsistent results for both chemical and non-chemical stressors. The majority of studies utilized traditional exposure assessments, evaluating chemical and non-chemical stressors separately. Collective evidence from a limited number of studies revealed that cumulative exposure assessment that incorporates multiple chemical and non-chemical stressors over the life course may unravel the variability in effect on cognitive development and help explain the inconsistencies across studies. Future research examining the interactions of multiple stressors within a child's total environment, depicting a more real-world exposure, will aid in understanding the cumulative effects associated with a child's ability to learn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmin Del Carmen Ruiz
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, TN, United States of America
- Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - James J. Quackenboss
- Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
| | - Nicolle S. Tulve
- Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, United States of America
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