Abstract
BackgroundPrenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is associated with adverse health effects in children. Valid exposure assessment methods with accurate spatial and temporal resolution across pregnancy is a critical need for advancing environmental health studies.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to quantify maternal PAH exposure in pregnant women residing in McAllen, Texas where the prematurity rate and childhood asthma prevalence rates are high. A secondary objective was to compare PAH levels in silicone wristbands deployed as passive samplers with concentrations measured using standardized active air-sampling techniques.MethodsParticipants carried a backpack that contained air-sampling equipment (i.e., filter and XAD sorbent) and a silicone wristband (i.e., passive sampler) for three nonconsecutive 24-h periods. Filters, XAD tubes, and wristbands were analyzed for PAHs.ResultsThe median level of exposure for the sum of 16 PAHs measured via active sampling over 24 h was 5.54 ng/m3 (filters) and 43.82 ng/m3 (XADs). The median level measured in wristbands (WB) was 586.82 ng/band. Concentrations of the PAH compounds varied across sampling matrix type. Phenanthrene and fluorene were consistently measured for all participants and in all matrix types. Eight additional volatile PAHs were measured in XADs and WBs; the median level of exposure for the sum of these eight PAHs was 342.98 ng/m3 (XADs) and 632.27 ng/band. The silicone wristbands (WB) and XAD sorbents bound 1-methynaphthalyne, 2-methylnaphthalene, biphenyl following similar patterns of detection.SignificanceSince prior studies indicate linkages between PAH exposure and adverse health outcomes in children at the PAH levels detected in our study, further investigation on the associated health effects is needed. Data reflect the ability of silicone wristbands to bind smaller molecular weight, semivolatile PAHs similar to XAD resin. Application of wristbands as passive samplers may be useful in studies evaluating semivolatile PAHs.
Highlights
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a complex mixture of organic compounds with two or more fused aromatic rings formed as the result of incomplete combustion
In an analogous cohort study of Polish mothers living in Krakow, investigators observed associations between prenatal PAH exposure and adverse cognitive development and respiratory outcomes, including wheeze and decreased lung function [11,12,13,14]
In this study conducted in the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission region, the most populated region in Hidalgo County, maternal PAH exposure was comparable to levels measured in participants from other U.S
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a complex mixture of organic compounds with two or more fused aromatic rings formed as the result of incomplete combustion. PAHs are known reproductive/developmental toxicants that can cross the placenta and exert effects on the developing fetus [3]. Maternal exposure to PAHs during pregnancy is associated with adverse effects on children’s health. In a multiethnic longitudinal cohort in New York City, prenatal exposure to ambient PAHs was associated with fetal growth reduction, adverse cognitive development, and obesity in childhood [7,8,9,10]. In an analogous cohort study of Polish mothers living in Krakow, investigators observed associations between prenatal PAH exposure and adverse cognitive development and respiratory outcomes, including wheeze and decreased lung function [11,12,13,14]. Exposure to PAHs showed a greater impact on infant birthweight reduction in comparison to assessment only
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