Prenatal exposure to PCDDs/PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs in relation to birth weight

Abstract

Several human studies have shown that low-level exposure to environmental contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides, negatively influences birth outcomes.However, the effects of low-level exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) on birth outcomes have not been clarified in human studies.A prospective cohort study was established to investigate the possible adverse effects of PCDDs/PCDFs and DL-PCBs on fetal growth and neurodevelopment. We recruited 514 pregnant women between July 2002 and October 2005 in Sapporo, Japan. We measured 29 congener levels of PCDDs/PCDFs and DL-PCBs in maternal blood.Using multiple liner regression analysis of the association between birth weight and the levels of PCDDs/PCDFs and DL-PCBs with full adjustments for potential confounders, a significant adverse effect was observed regarding total PCDDs toxic equivalents (TEQ) levels (adjusted β = -231.5 g, 95% CI: -417.4 to -45.6) and total PCDFs TEQ levels (adjusted β = -258.8 g, 95% CI: -445.7 to -71.8). Among male infants, significant adverse associations with birth weight were found for total PCDDs TEQ level, total PCDDs/PCDFs TEQ level, and total TEQ level. However, among female infants, these significant adverse associations were not found. With regard to individual congeners of PCDDs/PCDFs and DL-PCBs, we found significantly negative association with the levels of 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (adjusted β = -24.5 g, 95% CI: -387.4 to -61.5).Our findings suggest that prenatal low-level exposure to PCDDs and PCDFs, especially 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, may accumulate in the placenta and retard important placental functions, which result in lower birth weight.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, furans, and biphenyls (PCDDs/PCDFs and PCBs) in breast milk and early childhood growth and IGF1

“…This is in line with other studies with comparable exposure levels that have reported negative effects of dioxin-like chemicals on birth weight (Patandin et al 1998, Tajimi et al 2005, Konishi et al 2009). All: precise age at examination (gestational ageCexamination age for 0 and 3 months).…”

Occupational Safety of Farmers in the Vegetable Industry

“…Pesticides have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and damage to the nervous system, and the functioning of the endocrine systems [16]. Other research showed a link between pesticide exposure and adverse effects on children and fetuses such as low birth weight [17,18], preterm birth or toxemia [19], stillborn infants [20] and miscarriages [21]. In China's Anhui province, DDT was associated with miscarriages in the first few weeks of pregnancy [22].…”

Prenatal Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants and Anogenital Distance in Children at 18 Months

“…While few reports on the possible effects of POP exposure on fetal growth have been published to date, some evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to these compounds could be associated with disturbed hormone levels during pregnancy [34-36]. Prenatal exposure to PCBs has been related to lower birth weight, decreased thyroid function, and modification of the sex ratio at birth [37, 38]. In another study in the same population of the present work, it was pointed out that PBDEs may impair fetal growth in late pregnancy and reduce birth size [39].…”