Abstract
Phthalates or phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are a group of compounds which they can be entered into the human body through the various pathways. The aim of this study was to examine associations between prenatal phthalates exposure with anthropometric measures of neonates. Urine samples were obtained from 121 Iranian pregnant women at their first trimester of pregnancy, and the levels of monobutyl phthalate (MBP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), and mono (2-ethyl-5hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) metabolites were determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The correlations between the maternal urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites with anthropometric measures of neonates as well as with the socio-demographic factors of participants (maternal education, age, family income, pre-pregnancy body mass index), their lifestyle variables (smoking habit, food pattern, and physical activity), and use of cleaning products (cosmetic and household cleaning products) were investigated. MBzP, MBP, MEHP, and MEHHP were detected in 100% of the participants with the concentration ranged 120 to 860 μg/g creatinine. Significant correlations were observed between the urinary levels of maternal MBzP (adjusted β = 0.3 (0.001), p = 0.03) and MEHHP (adjusted β = 0.3 (0.001), p = 0.04) with the birth weight of female neonates. MBP (adjusted β = -0.3 (0.02), p = 0.04) and MBzP (adjusted β = -0.3 (0.001), p = 0.02) had negative associations with the head circumference in male and female newborns, respectively. Furthermore, plastic packaging for pickle and passive smoking during pregnancy were identified to be significantly associated with low birth weight (p value < 0.05). Iranian pregnant women had higher concentrations of urinary phthalates compared to the other countries. Based on the findings, the higher prenatal exposure to phthalates could adversely impact the health status of newborns.
Highlights
This study aimed to examine the associations between the urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites among a sample of Iranian pregnant women with anthropometric measures of neonates
Due to these potential adverse effects on human health, many developed countries have prohibited the use of di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) in industrial products [5]
This study was conducted to determine the possible relationship between prenatal phthalate exposure and neonatal anthropometric measures in association with maternal lifestyle variables and characteristics of pregnant women
Summary
This study aimed to examine the associations between the urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites among a sample of Iranian pregnant women with anthropometric measures of neonates. Previous studies have detected substantial amounts of phthalates in the cord blood and amniotic fluid, indicating that these compounds can cross the placenta and may harmfully affect the growing fetus In this regard, several epidemiological studies have shown a potential relationship between maternal exposure to phthalates and the risk of poor birth outcomes [4]. Several epidemiological studies have shown a potential relationship between maternal exposure to phthalates and the risk of poor birth outcomes [4] Due to these potential adverse effects on human health, many developed countries have prohibited the use of di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) in industrial products [5]. The findings of this study can provide an insight into common source exposure to phthalates among Iranian pregnant women which can help decision makers to take the appropriate measures
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