Concentrations of Endocrine Disruptors in Newborn Dried Blood Spots and Child Behavior

摘要

Background: Experimental studies suggest that prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals interferes with developmental processes in the fetal brain. Yet, evidence is inconclusive. Methods: In a birth cohort (2008-2010, upstate New York), we quantified concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in stored newborn dried blood spots using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Mothers reported on children's behavior using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire at age 7 (650 singletons and 138 twins). Difficulties in behavior (i.e., emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problems) and prosocial skills were classified at validated cut-offs. We used logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to estimate the odds of having difficulties per exposure category. Models were adjusted for maternal and child characteristics, e.g., ethnicity, smoking, parity, and prepregnancy body mass index (and preterm delivery for BPA). Results: 111 children (12.1%) had behavioral difficulties and 60 (6.5%) had problems in prosocial skills. The median (interquartile range) of PFOS, PFOA, and BPA were 1.74 ng/ml (1.33), 1.12 ng/ml (0.96), and 7.93 ng/ml (10.79), respectively. Higher PFOS levels were associated with increased odds of having behavioral difficulties (OR per SD of log PFOS=1.33, 95%CI: 1.05-1.67). We observed associations between PFOS in the highest relative to the lowest quartile and behavioral difficulties (OR for PFOS1.14-1.74=1.73, 95%CI:0.87-3.44; PFOS1.75-2.47=1.83, 95%CI:0.93-3.57; and PFOS>2.47=2.56, 95%CI:1.34-4.91 compared to PFOS<1.41). Higher PFOA levels were linearly associated with problems in prosocial skills (OR=1.36, 95%CI:1.05-1.76). We found no associations with BPA, nor interactions with sex or plurality. Conclusion: Increasing prenatal exposure to PFOS and PFOA, as reflected in neonatal concentrations, may pose risk for child behavioral difficulties.