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Yang W, Braun JM, Vuong AM, Percy Z, Xu Y, Xie C, Deka R, Calafat AM, Ospina M, Yolton K, Cecil KM, Lanphear BP, Chen A. Patterns of urinary organophosphate ester metabolite trajectories in children: the HOME Study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:251-259. [PMID: 37777668 PMCID: PMC10988284 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00605-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have replaced flame retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers as flame retardants in consumer products, but few longitudinal studies have characterized childhood OPE exposure. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine the exposure pattern of urinary OPE metabolites in children. METHODS We quantified three urinary OPE metabolites five times in children (1, 2, 3, 5, 8 years) from 312 mother-child pairs in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study, a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. We examined the associations of average maternal OPE metabolite concentrations with OPE metabolite concentrations in childhood, characterized childhood OPE trajectories with latent class growth analysis (LCGA), and examined factors related to trajectory membership. RESULTS Bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP) had the lowest median concentrations over time (0.66-0.97 mg/L) while the median concentrations of bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) increased with age (1.44-3.80 mg/L). The median concentrations of diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) fluctuated between 1.96 and 2.69 mg/L. Intraclass correlation coefficients for urinary metabolites measured at five time points indicated high variability within individuals (0.13-0.24). Average maternal urinary BCEP and BDCIPP were associated with concentrations in early childhood. Maternal education, the birth year of the child, and having a carpet in the main activity room were associated with BCEP and BDCIPP trajectory while none of the factors were associated with DPHP trajectory. SIGNIFICANCE The trajectory analysis showed different patterns of urinary OPE metabolite concentrations, suggesting the need to collect multiple samples to adequately reflect OPE exposure. IMPACT STATEMENT In this well-established cohort, we evaluated the patterns of urinary OPE metabolites in children ages 1-8 years. The number of repeated measures over childhood has not been achieved in prior studies. Our results suggested the high variability of urinary OPE metabolites within individuals. Maternal metabolite concentrations during pregnancy were related to child concentrations at ages 1-3 years. BCEP, BDCIPP, and DPHP demonstrated different trajectories in children, which suggests that multiple samples may be required to capture OPE exposure patterns in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Yang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ann M Vuong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Zana Percy
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yingying Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Changchun Xie
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ranjan Deka
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maria Ospina
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kim M Cecil
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Child and Family Research Institute, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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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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Rosen EM, Stevens DR, McNell EE, Wood ME, Engel SM, Keil AP, Calafat AM, Botelho JC, Sinkovskaya E, Przybylska A, Saade G, Abuhamad A, Ferguson KK. Variability and Longitudinal Trajectories of Phthalate and Replacement Biomarkers across Pregnancy in the Human Placenta and Phthalates Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13036-13046. [PMID: 37607343 PMCID: PMC10513743 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to phthalates is widespread, but assessment of variability across pregnancy has been hampered by short half-lives of phthalate biomarkers and a few repeated measures in prior studies. We aimed to characterize the variability and longitudinal profiles of phthalate and replacement biomarkers across pregnancy. Within the Human Placenta and Phthalates Study, 303 pregnant women provided urine samples at up to 8 visits across gestation. Concentrations of 14 metabolites of phthalates and 4 metabolites of replacements were quantified in each sample, and subject-specific averages within each trimester were calculated. We examined variability in individual biomarker concentrations across the 8 visits, within trimesters, and across trimester-specific averages using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). To explore longitudinal exposure biomarker profiles, we applied group-based trajectory modeling to trimester-specific averages over pregnancy. Pooling multiple visits into trimester-specific averages improved the ICCs for all biomarkers. Most biomarkers generally showed stable concentrations across gestation, i.e., high-, medium-, and low-concentration profiles, with small proportions of participants falling into the "high"-exposure groups. Variability over pregnancy is likely attributable to random fluctuations around a baseline exposure rather than true changes in concentrations over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M. Rosen
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Danielle R. Stevens
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Erin E. McNell
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Mollie E. Wood
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie M. Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Alexander P. Keil
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA
| | - Elena Sinkovskaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA
| | - Ann Przybylska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA
| | - George Saade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
| | - Alfred Abuhamad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
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Park S, Cowell W, Margolis AE, Sjodin A, Jones R, Rauh V, Wang S, Herbstman JB. Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and inattention/hyperactivity symptoms in mid to late adolescents. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 3:1061234. [PMID: 38455925 PMCID: PMC10910905 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2023.1061234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been associated with increased symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in early to middle childhood, as well as early adolescence. However, data are limited for the long-lasting impact of exposure on outcomes assessed across the entire adolescent period and the sex-specificity of such associations. Methods We investigated the association between continuous natural-log-transformed cord plasma PBDE concentrations and ADHD rating scale 4th edition (ADHD-RS-IV) score from mid adolescence (approximately 11 years old) to late adolescence (approximately 17 years old). The study sample includes a subset (n = 219) of the African American and Dominican children enrolled in the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health Mothers and Newborns birth cohort. We used generalized estimating equations to account for the repeated measure of ADHD-RS scores. We examined interactions between exposure to PBDE and sex using cross-product terms and sex-stratified models. In addition, we used linear regression using an age-stratified sample as a sensitivity analysis. Results and Discussion Associations between prenatal exposure and parents' reports of ADHD symptoms varied by sex (p-interaction <0.20), with positive relationships observed among girls but not boys from sex-stratified models. Our finding suggests prenatal exposure to PBDE may affect ADHD symptoms assessed during middle to late adolescence and the sex-specificity of such impact. Our results can be confirmed by future studies with larger and more diverse samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonyoung Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Whitney Cowell
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amy E. Margolis
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andreas Sjodin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Richard Jones
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Virginia Rauh
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Julie B. Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
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Vandenberg LN, Rayasam SDG, Axelrad DA, Bennett DH, Brown P, Carignan CC, Chartres N, Diamond ML, Joglekar R, Shamasunder B, Shrader-Frechette K, Subra WA, Zarker K, Woodruff TJ. Addressing systemic problems with exposure assessments to protect the public's health. Environ Health 2023; 21:121. [PMID: 36635700 PMCID: PMC9835264 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00917-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding, characterizing, and quantifying human exposures to environmental chemicals is critical to protect public health. Exposure assessments are key to determining risks to the general population and for specific subpopulations given that exposures differ between groups. Exposure data are also important for understanding where interventions, including public policies, should be targeted and the extent to which interventions have been successful. In this review, we aim to show how inadequacies in exposure assessments conducted by polluting industries or regulatory agencies have led to downplaying or disregarding exposure concerns raised by communities; that underestimates of exposure can lead regulatory agencies to conclude that unacceptable risks are, instead, acceptable, allowing pollutants to go unregulated; and that researchers, risk assessors, and policy makers need to better understand the issues that have affected exposure assessments and how appropriate use of exposure data can contribute to health-protective decisions. METHODS We describe current approaches used by regulatory agencies to estimate human exposures to environmental chemicals, including approaches to address limitations in exposure data. We then illustrate how some exposure assessments have been used to reach flawed conclusions about environmental chemicals and make recommendations for improvements. RESULTS Exposure data are important for communities, public health advocates, scientists, policy makers, and other groups to understand the extent of environmental exposures in diverse populations. We identify four areas where exposure assessments need to be improved due to systemic sources of error or uncertainty in exposure assessments and illustrate these areas with examples. These include: (1) an inability of regulatory agencies to keep pace with the increasing number of chemicals registered for use or assess their exposures, as well as complications added by use of 'confidential business information' which reduce available exposure data; (2) the failure to keep assessments up-to-date; (3) how inadequate assumptions about human behaviors and co-exposures contribute to underestimates of exposure; and (4) that insufficient models of toxicokinetics similarly affect exposure estimates. CONCLUSION We identified key issues that impact capacity to conduct scientifically robust exposure assessments. These issues must be addressed with scientific or policy approaches to improve estimates of exposure and protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Swati D G Rayasam
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Deborah H Bennett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Phil Brown
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Courtney C Carignan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Nicholas Chartres
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rashmi Joglekar
- Earthjustice, New York, NY, USA
- Earthjustice, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bhavna Shamasunder
- Department of Urban & Environmental Policy and Public Health, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristin Shrader-Frechette
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Wilma A Subra
- Louisiana Environmental Action Network, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Ken Zarker
- Washington State Department of Ecology, Olympia, WA, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 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: 2.0] [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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Marquès M, Nadal M, Domingo JL. Human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) through the diet: An update of the scientific literature. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 167:113322. [PMID: 35872254 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame-retardants (BFRs). As for other persistent organic pollutants, dietary intake (followed by dust inhalation) is the main route of human exposure to PBDEs. In 2012, we reviewed the scientific literature on the concentrations of PBDEs in foodstuffs and their dietary exposure. The current review is aimed at updating the results of recent studies (2012-2022) focused on determining the levels of PBDEs in food samples, as well as the dietary intake of these compounds. We have revised studies conducted over the world. The current information on the concentrations of PBDEs in food and their dietary intake is now much more notable than that available in our previous review, being China the country contributing with the highest number of studies. Because of the important differences in materials and methods used in the available studies, the comparison of results is certainly complicated. However, there seems to be a general trend towards a decrease in the levels of PBDEs in foods, and consequently, in the dietary intake of these contaminants. The lack of tolerable daily intakes of PBDEs is an issue that needs to be solved for assessing human health risks of these BFRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Marquès
- Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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Yuan B, Rüdel H, de Wit CA, Koschorreck J. Identifying emerging environmental concerns from long-chain chlorinated paraffins towards German ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127607. [PMID: 34768030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Germany is one of several major European producers of chlorinated paraffins (CPs). This study showed that not only the legacy short-chain products (SCCPs, C10-13), but also the current-use medium- and long-chain products (MCCPs, C14-17; LCCPs, C>17) as well as the very-short-chain impurities (vSCCPs, C<10) are ubiquitous in the 72 samples collected from the coastal, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems across the country. The concentrations of LCCPs surpassed those of the other CPs in 40% of the biota samples. Archived bream samples collected downstream of a CP-manufacturing factory showed decreasing temporal trends of (v)SCCPs and relatively constant levels of MCCPs from 1995 to 2019; however, the overall levels of LCCPs have increased by 290%, reflecting the impact of chemical regulation policies on changes in CP production. A visualization algorithm was developed for integrating CP results from various matrices to illustrate spatial tendencies of CP pollution. Higher levels of (v)SCCPs were indicated in the former West Germany region, while MCCP and LCCP concentrations did not seem to differ between former East and West Germany, suggesting relatively equal production and use of these chemicals after the German Reunification. The results provide an early warning signal of environmental concerns from LCCPs on the eve of their booming global production and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yuan
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Heinz Rüdel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME), 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Cynthia A de Wit
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Koschorreck
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), 14191 Berlin, Germany
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Analysis of brominated flame retardants in the aquatic environment: a review. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2021; 72:254-267. [PMID: 34985845 PMCID: PMC8785114 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2021-72-3576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common and consequently analysed brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). As these persistent organic pollutants are widespread in the environment and have a number of harmful effects on human health, the production and use of most has been banned for several years. The aquatic environment is polluted by these compounds through their deposition from the atmosphere, sewage sludge, wastewater treatment plants, and landfills, and higher levels are found in areas with developed industry and agriculture and near landfills. Each compound also seems to show preference for specific compartments of the aquatic environment, i.e. water, sediment, or aquatic organisms, according to their physicochemical properties. The aim of this review was to take a closer look at the analysis of BFRs, as without reliable analysis we would not be able to determine their levels and distribution across the aquatic compartments and assess human exposure and health risks. Particularly worrying are the health risks associated with PBDEs in fish, whose levels generally exceed the permitted values.
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Meng T, Cheng J, Tang Z, Yin H, Zhang M. Global distribution and trends of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human blood and breast milk: A quantitative meta-analysis of studies published in the period 2000-2019. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 280:111696. [PMID: 33257180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame-retardants that are found throughout the human body. However, global trends and diversity of the concentrations in human body and the potential risks remain largely unresolved. Based on published data during 2000-2019, we conducted a systematic meta-analysis to understand the burden and risks of PBDEs in humans and their spatiotemporal variations. The report provides a global picture of PBDE concentrations in human blood and breast milk. We found the levels of body PBDE burden in the North American population were higher than those from Asia and Europe. However, high concentrations of blood PBDEs in occupational population from Asia were observed, largely because of poorly controlled e-waste recycling operations. Penta- and deca-BDE were the main contributors in North America and Asia, respectively, reflecting the difference in the production and use of these chemicals. On a global scale, no substantial decreases in the concentrations of PBDEs in the blood and breast milk were observed, although most of the chemicals have been phased out. The results suggested that humans will be exposed to PBDEs with relatively high concentrations in a certain period because of the legacy in products and the environmental media. And the potential health risks necessitate careful study in the future. Our results also remind that the uses of degradation-resistant chemicals should be attached great importance to their safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Meng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Jiali Cheng
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Zhenwu Tang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Hongmin Yin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Minna Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.
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11
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Li Y, Yu N, Li M, Li K, Shi W, Yu H, Wei S. Metabolomic insights into the lasting impacts of early-life exposure to BDE-47 in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114524. [PMID: 32283404 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Early-life exposure to toxicants may have lasting effects that adversely impact later development. Thus, although the production and use of a toxicant have been banned, the risk to previously exposed individuals may continue. BDE-47, a component of commercial penta-BDEs, is a persistent organic pollutant with demonstrated neurotoxicity. To investigate the persistent effects of BDE-47 and the mechanisms thereof, we employed a metabolomics approach to analyze the brain, blood and urine of mice exposed to BDE-47 for 28 days and then 3 months post-exposure. In the brain, BDE-47 was detectable just after exposure but was below the limit of detection (LOD) 3 months later. However, the metabolomic alterations caused by early-life exposure to BDE-47 persisted. Potential biomarkers related to these alterations included phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin and several amino acids and biogenic amines. The metabolic pathways involved in the response to BDE-47 in the brain were mainly those related to glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingomyelin metabolism and neurotransmitter regulation. Thus, our study demonstrates the utility of metabolomics, as the omics most closely reflecting the phenotype, in exploring the mechanisms underlying the lasting effects induced by early-life BDE-47 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nanyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Meiying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Si Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Tran LK, He C, Phuc DH, Toms LML, Wang X, Xiu M, Mueller JF, Covaci A, Morawska L, Thai PK. Monitoring the levels of brominated and organophosphate flame retardants in passenger cars: Utilisation of car air filters as active samplers. J Environ Sci (China) 2020; 91:142-150. [PMID: 32172962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Filters in residential and office air conditioning (A/C) systems have been used as sampling devices for monitoring different pollutants. However, cabin air filters (CAFs) in the A/C system of passenger cars have not been utilised for this purpose. In this study, we collected 22 used CAFs from passenger cars in Hanoi, Vietnam to analyse for 8 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 10 organophosphate esters (OPEs). All the analytes were detected in more than 50% of samples with the exception of BDE153 and BDE154. The average concentrations of ∑10OPEs and ∑8BDEs in the captured dust were 2600 and 40 ng/g, respectively with Tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and BDE209 as the dominant congener in OPE and BDE groups, respectively. CAFs are a potential tool to qualitatively assess the levels of semi-volatile chemicals in suspended dust in cars as a screening step for exposure assessment of those chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long K Tran
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chang He
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dam Hoang Phuc
- Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Leisa-Maree L Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Meng Xiu
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Phong K Thai
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
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13
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Gravel S, Lavoué J, Bakhiyi B, Lavoie J, Roberge B, Patry L, Bouchard MF, Verner MA, Zayed J, Labrèche F. Multi-exposures to suspected endocrine disruptors in electronic waste recycling workers: Associations with thyroid and reproductive hormones. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 225:113445. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.113445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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14
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Gaylord A, Osborne G, Ghassabian A, Malits J, Attina T, Trasande L. Trends in neurodevelopmental disability burden due to early life chemical exposure in the USA from 2001 to 2016: A population-based disease burden and cost analysis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 502:110666. [PMID: 31952890 PMCID: PMC7073246 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are known to cause neurodevelopmental toxicity through direct and indirect pathways. In this study we used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, along with known exposure-disease relationships, to quantify the intellectual disability burden attributable to in utero exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphates, and methylmercury and early life exposure to lead. We also estimated the cost of the IQ points lost and cases of intellectual disability. PBDE exposure was the greatest contributor to intellectual disability burden, resulting in a total of 162 million IQ points lost and over 738,000 cases of intellectual disability. This was followed by lead, organophosphates, and methylmercury. From 2001 to 2016, IQ loss from PBDEs, methylmercury, and lead have decreased or remained stagnant. Organophosphate exposure measurements were only available up to 2008 but did show an increase in organophosphate-attributable IQ loss. Although most of these trends show benefit for children's neurodevelopmental health, they may also point towards the use of potentially harmful substitutions for chemicals that are being phased out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Gaylord
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia Malits
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa Attina
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, NY, USA; NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Klinčić D, Dvoršćak M, Jagić K, Mendaš G, Herceg Romanić S. Levels and distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in humans and environmental compartments: a comprehensive review of the last five years of research. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:5744-5758. [PMID: 31933075 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), present in the environment, animals, and humans. Their levels, distribution, and human exposure have been studied extensively, and over the last decade, various legal measures have been taken to prohibit or minimize their production and use due to the increasing amount of evidence of their harmful effects on human and animal health.Our aim here was to make a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the levels and distribution of PBDEs in the aquatic environment, air, and soil, in indoor dust, and in humans. To fulfill this, we searched through Web of Science for literature data reported in the last five years (2015-2019) on levels of at least six key PBDE congeners in abovementioned matrices. According to our summarized data, significant PBDE mass concentrations/fractions are still being detected in various sample types across the world, which implies that PBDE contamination is an ongoing problem. Secondary sources of PBDEs like contaminated soils and landfills, especially those with electronic and electrical waste (e-waste), represent a particular risk to the future and therefore require a special attention of scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darija Klinčić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Dvoršćak
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Karla Jagić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Mendaš
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Snježana Herceg Romanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
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16
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Dunnick JK, Shockley KR, Morgan DL, Travlos G, Gerrish KE, Ton TV, Wilson RE, Brar SS, Brix AE, Waidyanatha S, Mutlu E, Pandiri AR. Hepatic Transcriptomic Patterns in the Neonatal Rat After Pentabromodiphenyl Ether Exposure. Toxicol Pathol 2020; 48:338-349. [PMID: 31826744 PMCID: PMC7596650 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319888433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human exposure to pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE) mixture (DE-71) and its PBDE-47 congener can occur both in utero and during lactation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that PBDE-induced neonatal hepatic transcriptomic alterations in Wistar Han rat pups can inform on potential toxicity and carcinogenicity after longer term PBDE exposures. Wistar Han rat dams were exposed to either DE-71 or PBDE-47 daily from gestation day (GD 6) through postnatal day 4 (PND 4). Total plasma thyroxine (T4) was decreased in PND 4 pups. In liver, transcripts for CYPs and conjugation enzymes, Nrf2, and ABC transporters were upregulated. In general, the hepatic transcriptomic alterations after exposure to DE-71 or PBDE-47 were similar and provided early indicators of oxidative stress and metabolic alterations, key characteristics of toxicity processes. The transcriptional benchmark dose lower confidence limits of the most sensitive biological processes were lower for PBDE-47 than for the PBDE mixture. Neonatal rat liver transcriptomic data provide early indicators on molecular pathway alterations that may lead to toxicity and/or carcinogenicity if the exposures continue for longer durations. These early toxicogenomic indicators may be used to help prioritize chemicals for a more complete toxicity and cancer risk evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. K. Dunnick
- Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - K. R. Shockley
- Biostatistics & Computational Biology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - D. L. Morgan
- Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - G. Travlos
- Cellular & Molecular Pathology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - K. E. Gerrish
- Molecular Genomics Core, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - T. V. Ton
- Cellular & Molecular Pathology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - R. E. Wilson
- Cellular & Molecular Pathology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - S. S. Brar
- Cellular & Molecular Pathology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - A. E. Brix
- EPL, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - S. Waidyanatha
- Program Operations Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - E. Mutlu
- Program Operations Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - A. R. Pandiri
- Cellular & Molecular Pathology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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17
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Li L, Hoang C, Arnot JA, Wania F. Clarifying Temporal Trend Variability in Human Biomonitoring of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers through Mechanistic Modeling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:166-175. [PMID: 31779308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b04130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring data collected from individuals of the same age sampled in different years provide within-age temporal trends, which are often employed to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical regulatory policies. For polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), this within-age temporal trend has been observed to vary between congeners and age groups. We systematically explore the mechanisms responsible for such variability through simulating human exposure via multiple exposure pathways to PBDEs released from multiple lifecycle stages. Our simulation indicates that, after new use of PBDEs is banned, emissions to the outdoor environment from use and waste disposal outlast those to the indoor environment from the indoor use phase, leading to slower decline rates in the contamination of food items sourced from the outdoor environment than that from indoors. Compared with indoor exposure pathways, the consumption of contaminated food contributes more to the exposure (i) to more hydrophobic, recalcitrant congeners, and (ii) of adults than children, which results in slower rates of decline in the within-age temporal trend of those congeners and in adults. The within-age temporal trend is influenced to a lesser extent by the elimination of PBDEs from the human body, e.g., differences in biotransformation potential of congeners, growth dilution, and pre- and postnatal exposures by children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Christopher Hoang
- Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Jon A Arnot
- Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
- ARC Arnot Research & Consulting, Toronto, Ontario M4M 1W4, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Frank Wania
- Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
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18
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Scoville DK, Li CY, Wang D, Dempsey JL, Raftery D, Mani S, Gu H, Cui JY. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Gut Microbiome Modulate Metabolic Syndrome-Related Aqueous Metabolites in Mice. Drug Metab Dispos 2019; 47:928-940. [PMID: 31123037 PMCID: PMC6657215 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.119.086538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent environmental toxicants associated with increased risk for metabolic syndrome. Intermediary metabolism is influenced by the intestinal microbiome. To test the hypothesis that PBDEs reduce host-beneficial intermediary metabolites in an intestinal microbiome-dependent manner, 9-week old male conventional (CV) and germ-free (GF) C57BL/6 mice were orally gavaged once daily with vehicle, BDE-47, or BDE-99 (100 μmol/kg) for 4 days. Intestinal microbiome (16S rDNA sequencing), liver transcriptome (RNA-Seq), and intermediary metabolites in serum, liver, as well as small and large intestinal contents (SIC and LIC; LC-MS) were examined. Changes in intermediary metabolite abundances in serum, liver, and SIC, were observed under basal conditions (CV vs. GF mice) and by PBDE exposure. PBDEs altered the largest number of metabolites in the LIC; most were regulated by PBDEs in GF conditions. Importantly, intestinal microbiome was necessary for PBDE-mediated decreases in branched-chain and aromatic amino acid metabolites, including 3-indolepropionic acid, a tryptophan metabolite recently shown to be protective against inflammation and diabetes. Gene-metabolite networks revealed a positive association between the hepatic glycan synthesis gene α-1,6-mannosyltransferase (Alg12) mRNA and mannose, which are important for protein glycosylation. Glycome changes have been observed in patients with metabolic syndrome. In LIC of CV mice, 23 bacterial taxa were regulated by PBDEs. Correlations of certain taxa with distinct serum metabolites further highlight a modulatory role of the microbiome in mediating PBDE effects. In summary, PBDEs impact intermediary metabolism in an intestinal microbiome-dependent manner, suggesting that dysbiosis may contribute to PBDE-mediated toxicities that include metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Scoville
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (D.K.S., C.Y.L., J.L.D., J.Y.C.) and Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.W., D.R.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China (D.W.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (S.M.); and Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona (H.G.)
| | - Cindy Yanfei Li
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (D.K.S., C.Y.L., J.L.D., J.Y.C.) and Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.W., D.R.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China (D.W.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (S.M.); and Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona (H.G.)
| | - Dongfang Wang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (D.K.S., C.Y.L., J.L.D., J.Y.C.) and Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.W., D.R.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China (D.W.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (S.M.); and Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona (H.G.)
| | - Joseph L Dempsey
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (D.K.S., C.Y.L., J.L.D., J.Y.C.) and Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.W., D.R.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China (D.W.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (S.M.); and Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona (H.G.)
| | - Daniel Raftery
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (D.K.S., C.Y.L., J.L.D., J.Y.C.) and Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.W., D.R.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China (D.W.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (S.M.); and Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona (H.G.)
| | - Sridhar Mani
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (D.K.S., C.Y.L., J.L.D., J.Y.C.) and Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.W., D.R.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China (D.W.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (S.M.); and Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona (H.G.)
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (D.K.S., C.Y.L., J.L.D., J.Y.C.) and Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.W., D.R.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China (D.W.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (S.M.); and Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona (H.G.)
| | - Julia Yue Cui
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (D.K.S., C.Y.L., J.L.D., J.Y.C.) and Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.W., D.R.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China (D.W.); Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (S.M.); and Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona (H.G.)
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19
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Xu H, Feng C, Cao Y, Lu Y, Xi J, Ji J, Lu D, Zhang XY, Luan Y. Distribution of the parent compound and its metabolites in serum, urine, and feces of mice administered 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 225:217-225. [PMID: 30877916 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is a predominant polybromodiphenyl ether congener in the environment. Its absorption, excretion, and metabolism in animals have been investigated; however, the distribution of BDE-47 and its metabolites in excreta and blood at steady-state conditions has been unclear. In the present study, we addressed the issue by determining the amounts of BDE-47, eight monohydroxylated metabolites (OH-BDEs), and 2,4-dibromophenol (2,4-DBP) in serum, urine, and feces of gpt delta transgenic mice orally administered BDE-47 at 1.5, 10, and 30 mg/kg/d for 6 weeks during the 24 h period (for urine and feces) or at 24 h (for blood) post-last dosing. The distribution profiles in the three matrices showed that BDE-47, OH-BDEs, and 2,4-DBP were mostly distributed in urine (59-70%), feces (95-96%), and urine (51-80%), respectively. In each matrix, BDE-47 was the predominant compound under all doses, which accounted for 84-96% in serum, 68-98% in urine, and 37-92% in feces. However, exclusive of BDE-47, OH-BDEs were the predominant class of metabolites in serum (72-86%) and feces (67-87%), whereas 2,4-DBP was the major metabolite in urine (98-99%). Among monohydroxylated metabolites, the dominant compounds were 4-hydroxy-2,2',3,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4-OH-BDE-42) and 4'-hydroxy-2,2',4,5'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4'-OH-BDE-49) in feces (27-33% and 25-43%, respectively), and 3-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (3-OH-BDE-47) in serum (26-43%). Thus, BDE-47 and 2,4-DBP were mostly present in urine, and OH-BDEs were primarily found in feces. Blood was not an important carrier for either BDE-47 or its metabolites. The data provide information for distribution and elimination of BDE-47 and its metabolites in mice at steady-state conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Changning District of Shanghai, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Chao Feng
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Yiyi Cao
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Changning District of Shanghai, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Jing Xi
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jieyun Ji
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Changning District of Shanghai, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Dasheng Lu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China.
| | - Xin-Yu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Yang Luan
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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20
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Cowell WJ, Sjödin A, Jones R, Wang Y, Wang S, Whyatt RM, Factor-Litvak P, Bradwin G, Hassoun A, Oberfield S, Herbstman JB. Pre- and Postnatal Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Concentrations in Relation to Thyroid Parameters Measured During Early Childhood. Thyroid 2019; 29:631-641. [PMID: 30907253 PMCID: PMC6533780 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2018.0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Penta-brominated diphenyl ethers (PentaBDEs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that structurally resemble thyroid hormones and were widely used as flame retardants in household consumer products from 1975 to 2004. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) cross the placenta, and evidence suggests that for many children, body burdens may peak during the toddler years. This study aimed to understand the impact of exposure timing by examining both pre- and postnatal exposure to BDE-47, the predominant penta-brominated diphenyl ether congener detected in humans, in relation to thyroid hormone parameters measured during early childhood. Methods: The Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health Mothers and Newborns Study is a prospective birth cohort of African American and Dominican maternal-child pairs. Pregnant women were recruited from two prenatal clinics in Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx between 1998 and 2006. Participants included 158 children with (i) plasma PBDE concentrations measured at birth and in the toddler years (age 2-3 years), and (ii) serum thyroid parameters measured at three and/or five years of age. Outcomes included concentrations of serum thyrotropin, free thyroxine, and total thyroxine. Results: Children with high exposure to BDE-47 during the prenatal period (-17% [confidence interval -29 to -2]) or toddler age (-19% [confidence interval -31 to -5]) had significantly lower geometric mean thyrotropin levels compared to children with low BDE-47 exposure throughout early life. Associations with thyroxine were also inverse; however, they did not reach statistical significance at the p = 0.05 level. Sex-stratified models suggest associations with postnatal exposure may be stronger among boys compared to girls. Conclusions: The thyroid regulatory system may be sensitive to BDE-47 during pre- and postnatal periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney J. Cowell
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Richard Jones
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Robin M. Whyatt
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Gary Bradwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Abeer Hassoun
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Sharon Oberfield
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Julie B. Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Address correspondence to: Julie Herbstman, PhD, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, 12th Floor, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
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21
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Cowell WJ, Margolis A, Rauh VA, Sjödin A, Jones R, Wang Y, Garcia W, Perera F, Wang S, Herbstman JB. Associations between prenatal and childhood PBDE exposure and early adolescent visual, verbal and working memory. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 118:9-16. [PMID: 29787900 PMCID: PMC6460908 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal and childhood exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants has been inversely associated with cognitive performance, however, few studies have measured PBDE concentrations in samples collected during both prenatal and postnatal periods. METHODS We examined prenatal (cord) and childhood (ages 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9 years) plasma PBDE concentrations in relation to memory outcomes assessed between the ages of 9 and 14 years. The study sample includes a subset (n = 212) of the African American and Dominican children enrolled in the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health Mothers and Newborns birth cohort. We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations between continuous log10-transformed PBDE concentrations and performance on tests of visual, verbal and working memory in age-stratified models. We additionally used latent class growth analysis to estimate trajectories of exposure across early life, which we analyzed as a categorical variable in relation to memory outcomes. We examined interactions between PBDE exposure and sex using cross-product terms. RESULTS Associations between prenatal exposure and working memory significantly varied by sex (p-interaction = 0.02), with inverse relations observed only among girls (i.e. βBDE-47 = -7.55, 95% CI: -13.84, -1.24). Children with sustained high concentrations of BDEs-47, 99 or 100 across childhood scored approximately 5-8 standard score points lower on tests of visual memory. Children with PBDE plasma concentrations that peaked during toddler years performed better on verbal domains, however, these associations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to PBDEs during both prenatal and postnatal periods may disrupt memory domains in early adolescence. These findings contribute to a substantial body of evidence supporting the developmental neurotoxicity of PBDEs and underscore the need to reduce exposure among pregnant women and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney J Cowell
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Amy Margolis
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Virginia A Rauh
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Richard Jones
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Ya Wang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wanda Garcia
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Frederica Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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22
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Gibson EA, Siegel EL, Eniola F, Herbstman JB, Factor-Litvak P. Effects of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on Child Cognitive, Behavioral, and Motor Development. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081636. [PMID: 30072620 PMCID: PMC6121413 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) flame retardants are environmental chemicals that cross the placenta during pregnancy and have shown evidence of neurotoxicity. As the in utero period is a sensitive developmental window, such exposure may result in adverse childhood outcomes. Associations between in utero PBDE exposure and neurodevelopment are found in animal models and increasingly in human population studies. Here, we review the epidemiological evidence of the association between prenatal exposure to PBDEs and motor, cognitive, and behavioral development in infants and children. Published work suggests a negative association between PBDE concentrations and neurodevelopment despite varying PBDE congeners measured, bio-specimen matrix used, timing of the biological sampling, geographic location of study population, specific developmental tests used, age of children at time of testing, and statistical methodologies. This review includes 16 published studies that measured PBDE exposure in maternal blood during pregnancy or in cord blood at delivery and performed validated motor, cognitive, and/or behavioral testing at one or more time during childhood. We evaluate possible mediation through PBDE-induced perturbations in thyroid function and effect measure modification by child sex. While the majority of studies support an adverse association between PBDEs and neurodevelopment, additional research is required to understand the mechanism of action, possibly through the perturbations in thyroid function either in the pregnant woman or in the child, and the role of biologically relevant effect modifiers such as sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Gibson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Eva Laura Siegel
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Folake Eniola
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Julie Beth Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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