Prenatal urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toddler cognition, language, and behavior

• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107039
• Publication Date: 2021-12-10T21:36:03Z
• Authors: Erin R. Wallace; Yu Ni; Christine T. Loftus; Alexis Sullivan; Erin Masterson; Adam A. Szpiro; Drew B. Day; Morgan Robinson; Kurunthachalam Ka...; Fran A. Tylavsky; Sheela Sathyanara...; Nicole R. Bush; Kaja Z. LeWinn; Catherine J. Karr
• Keywords: Toddler

Animal and epidemiological studies suggest that prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may negatively impact toddler neurodevelopment.We investigated this association in 835 mother-child pairs from CANDLE, a diverse pregnancy cohort the mid-South region of U.S. PAH metabolite concentrations were measured mid-pregnancy maternal urine. Cognitive Language composite scores at ages 2 3 years derived Bayley Scales Infant Toddler Development, 3rd edition (Bayley-3). Behavior Problem Competence age Brief Social Emotional Assessment (BITSEA). We used multivariate linear or Poisson regression estimate associations with continuous relative risks (RR) neurodevelopment delay behavior problems per 2-fold increase PAH, adjusted for health, nutrition, socioeconomic status. Secondary analyses mixture using Weighted Quantile Sum Regression (WQS) permutation test extension.1- hydroxypyrene was associated elevated risk Neurodevelopmental Delay (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03,1.39). Contrary hypotheses, 1-hydroxynaphthalene lower Problems 0.90, 0.83,0.98), combined 1- 9-hydroxyphenanthrene 0.52-point higher (95% 0.11,0.93) score 3. For mixtures, quintile hydroxy-PAH (βwqs -1.59; -2.84, -0.34; ppermutation 0.07) 0.96; 0.11, 1.82; 0.05). All other estimates consistent null associations.In large southern population we observed some support adverse between PAHs neurodevelopment.