Decrease in lung function in relation to increasing BDE exposure in teenagers

Abstract

Introduction: brominated flame retardants (BDEs) and dioxins are well known toxic environmental contaminants. A deficit in lung function in relation to prenatal and lactational dioxin exposure was seen in pre-pubertal children. Effects of BDE exposure on lung function have not previously been assessed. As part of a longitudinal cohort study, now well into its second decade, effects of perinatal and current dioxin exposure, as well as current PCB and BDE exposure, on lung function in adolescents were assessed. Methods: prenatal, lactational and current dioxin, PCB and PBDE concentrations were determined using GC-MS. Lung function was assessed using spirometry, a body box and diffusion measurements. 33 Children (born between 1986 and 1991) consented to the current follow-up study. Results: no relationship was seen between prenatal and lactional dioxin exposure, nor with current PCB exposure, and lung function. A positive relationship was seen between current dioxin body burdens and FEV 1 and TLC in the girls. Indications of increasing airway obstruction were seen in relation to increasing current BDE exposure. Conclusion: while the in childhood present decrease in lung function in relation to increasing prenatal and lactational dioxin exposure is no longer visible in adolescence, a decrease in lung function is now seen in relation to increasing BDE exposure in the teenagers. This is a novel finding and certainly warrants further research.