Abstract
BackgroundPolybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants commonly used in a wide range of products. Prenatal exposure to PBDEs has been associated with adverse neurodevelopment. Our objective was to characterize predictors of exposure to PBDEs among a multi-ethnic, low-income cohort of pregnant women enrolled from highly urban communities in New York City between years 2009–2010.MethodsDuring the first half of pregnancy we collected 316 maternal serum samples and administered an extensive questionnaire including items on demographics, diet and lifestyle. We measured 12 PBDE congeners in blood samples. Using bivariate and multivariate approaches, we regressed the most commonly detected PBDE congeners (PBDE-47, -99, -100 and -153) against potential demographic, dietary and lifestyle predictor variables.ResultsAt least one PBDE congener was detected in each serum sample. Our analyses demonstrate unique predictor patterns for PBDE-47, -99, -100 and -153 based on demographic, lifestyle and dietary characteristics of women. Higher education and increased use of household electronics were associated with higher levels of all 4 congeners. Six characteristics were associated with PBDE-153 serum concentrations, more than for any other congener. These include maternal education, household income, body mass index, solid dairy consumption, processed meat consumption and frequent use of household electronics.ConclusionsPBDE exposure in this widespread in this cohort, though levels are lower than previous assessments of US pregnant women. Lower levels may be in response to legislation restricting the production, sale and use of these compounds. In our cohort, we did not observe any individual predictor or a consistent pattern of several predictors representing a significant source of PBDE exposure. These data suggest that legislation and policy may be more effective at reducing exposure than personal lifestyle modifications.
Highlights
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants commonly used in a wide range of products
Exposure questionnaire data Based on a comprehensive literature review and a questionnaire developed at the University of British Columbia (Glenys Webster, personal communication), we developed a structured questionnaire to ascertain determinants of PBDE exposure from the year prior to conception through the time of interview
Race/ethnicity appeared predictive of PBDE body burden; levels of PBDE-153 were 20% higher among Non Hispanic Whites compared to Hispanics and 13% higher than African Americans
Summary
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants commonly used in a wide range of products. Prenatal exposure to PBDEs has been associated with adverse neurodevelopment. Our objective was to characterize predictors of exposure to PBDEs among a multi-ethnic, low-income cohort of pregnant women enrolled from highly urban communities in New York City between years 2009–2010. Since the 1970’s, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used as flame retardants in consumer products such as plastics, electronics, textiles and construction materials. Decades of widespread use led to ubiquitous environmental contamination and human exposure [2]. Due to growing environmental and human health concerns, considerable legislation has addressed the production, sale and use of these compounds [4,5]. Sources of PBDEs remain and continue to contaminate the environment resulting in considerable human exposure
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