Pregnant women exposed to specific flame-retardant chemicals, commonly found in furniture, baby items, electronics, and building materials, may face an elevated risk of preterm birth, particularly for baby girls, or higher birth weights, according to a study led by Emily Barrett, a professor at Rutgers School of Public Health. The research, funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program at the National Institutes of Health, sheds light on the potential impact of organophosphate esters (OPEs) on pregnancy outcomes.
OPEs have become a prevalent choice for manufacturers as flame retardants, replacing polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants due to health risks. The study aimed to investigate how the widespread use of OPEs might affect pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and birth weight.
The research, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, revealed that over 85% of study participants exhibited three specific markers of OPE exposure in their bodies: diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), a combination of dibutyl phosphate and di-isobutyl phosphate (DBUP/DIBP), and bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate. These substances were associated with shorter pregnancies and a higher risk of preterm birth, particularly among female infants. Interestingly, among male infants, higher concentrations of DPHP were linked to longer pregnancies.
Additionally, babies born to mothers with detectable levels of three other OPE markers tended to have higher birth weights compared to those without detectable levels. These substances included bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate, bis(2-methylphenyl) phosphate, and dipropyl phosphate. Higher birth weights may increase the likelihood of complications such as jaundice, breathing problems, or congenital disorders.
The study, conducted across 16 ECHO Cohort Study Sites, involved analyzing urine samples from 6,646 pregnant participants during their second or third trimesters. Nine OPE markers were measured, and birth outcomes were assessed using medical records or parent reports.
Deborah Bennett from the University of California, Davis, who led the study, emphasized the need for more comprehensive studies using various urine tests to understand the potential links between OPE exposure and birth outcomes. Although these substances typically stay in the body for short periods, ranging from hours to days, further research is essential to elucidate their impact on maternal and fetal health.
