Newswise — PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] —The hazards of "perpetual chemicals" commencing prior to birth are affirmed by a recent investigation, conceivably predisposing offspring to forthcoming health complications.
A recent study led by researchers from Brown University, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, revealed that prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was associated with marginally elevated body mass indices and an augmented likelihood of childhood obesity.
Although prior research has hinted at this association, the existing data has yielded inconclusive results. However, the latest study, supported by the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes program at the National Institutes of Health, encompasses a significantly larger and more comprehensive dataset, spanning multiple research sites nationwide. Yun "Jamie" Liu, a postdoctoral research associate in epidemiology at the Brown University School of Public Health and the lead author of the study, emphasized the broader scope of this investigation.
Liu stated, "The conclusions drawn from our study were derived from eight diverse research cohorts situated in various regions of the United States, representing different demographic backgrounds. Consequently, our findings possess greater generalizability to the overall population."
ECHO, a research initiative backed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is dedicated to comprehending the impacts of various early environmental factors on child health and development on a national scale. The study in question leveraged data spanning a span of two decades, encompassing 1,391 children aged between 2 and 5 years, as well as their mothers. These participants were recruited from ECHO research sites situated across several states, including California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Colorado, New Hampshire, Georgia, and New York.
A multitude of PFAS variants, numbering in the thousands, find application in textiles with oil and water resistance, personal care items, firefighting foams, food packaging, medical products, and numerous other household goods. These toxic PFAS substances possess exceptional durability and are believed to endure in the environment for thousands of years, earning them the moniker "forever chemicals."
The scientists involved in the study examined blood samples obtained from expectant mothers during pregnancy and analyzed the presence of seven distinct PFAS compounds. Subsequently, they determined the body mass index of each child, which serves as an approximate indicator of body fat.
The research outcomes indicated a correlation between elevated levels of PFAS in the blood of mothers during pregnancy and marginally higher body mass indices (BMIs) in their children. The heightened risk of obesity was observed irrespective of the child's gender, affecting both males and females equally.
Joseph Braun, the senior author of the study and a professor of epidemiology, as well as the director of the Center for Children's Environmental Health at Brown's School of Public Health, emphasized that these associations were noticeable even at low levels of PFAS exposure. This observation holds significance, as the exposure levels to PFAS have undergone changes over time due to the voluntary discontinuation of their use by certain manufacturers. These changes were prompted by concerns regarding the associated health effects and the environmental persistence of PFAS.
Braun emphasized that the presence of these associations at relatively low levels of PFAS exposure in a contemporary population suggests that pregnant individuals today may still face potential risks. Consequently, based on the study's findings, their children could also be susceptible to harmful health effects associated with PFAS. The implication is that even with reduced PFAS usage in products, there remains a potential for harm and associated health risks for both pregnant individuals and their offspring.
Throughout the last decade, Braun has been actively engaged in numerous studies investigating the impacts of PFAS on children's health. He highlights the significance of such data, emphasizing its potential to inform and shape environmental policies as well as safety guidelines. By providing scientific evidence on the effects of PFAS, these studies contribute to a better understanding of the risks associated with these chemicals and support the development of regulations and measures to safeguard public health.
Braun underscores the ongoing interest in comprehending the consequences of low-level PFAS exposure on children's health. He emphasizes that studies similar to the one conducted can aid researchers and policymakers in gaining a deeper understanding of the risks posed by PFAS. By doing so, they can develop and implement effective measures to protect vulnerable populations from the potential adverse effects of PFAS exposure.
Liu expressed that forthcoming research endeavors will explore the connections between maternal PFAS exposure and health outcomes related to obesity in older children, extending to the adolescent and adult stages. This indicates a broader investigation into the long-term effects of PFAS exposure, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of its potential impact on individuals as they age.
The research received support from various sources, including the ECHO program, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the National Institute of General Medicine Sciences. The backing provided by these institutions demonstrates their recognition of the significance of the study and their commitment to advancing understanding in the field of environmental health and child development.
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