Maternal Serum, Cord and Human Milk Levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Association with Predictors and Effect on Newborn Anthropometry

Maya Mahfouz, Mireille Harmouche-Karaki, Joseph Matta, Yara Mahfouz, Pascale Salameh, Hassan Younes, Khalil Helou, Ramzi Finan, Georges Abi-Tayeh, Mohamad Meslimani, Ghada Moussa, Nada Chahrour, Camille Osseiran, Farouk Skaiki, Jean François Narbonne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) health effects is rapidly advancing among critical populations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess PFAS serum levels among Lebanese pregnant women, cord serum and human milk levels, their determinants, and effects on newborn anthropometry. Methods: We measured concentrations of six PFAS (PFHpA, PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFNA and PFDA) using liquid chromatography MS/MS for 419 participants, of which 269 had sociodemographic, anthropometric, environmental and dietary information. Results: The percentage of detection for PFHpA, PFOA, PFHxS and PFOS was 36.3–37.7%. PFOA and PFOS levels (95th percentile) were higher than HBM-I and HBM-II values. While PFAS were not detected in cord serum, five compounds were detected in human milk. Multivariate regression showed that fish/shellfish consumption, vicinity to illegal incineration and higher educational level were associated with an almost twice higher risk of elevated PFHpA, PFOA, PFHxS and PFOS serum levels. Higher PFAS levels in human milk were observed with higher eggs and dairy products consumption, in addition to tap water (preliminary findings). Higher PFHpA was significantly associated with lower newborn weight-for-length Z-score at birth. Conclusions: Findings establish the need for further studies, and urgent action to reduce exposure among subgroups with higher PFAS levels.

Original languageEnglish
Article number455
JournalToxics
Volume11
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cord
  • exposure predictors
  • human biomonitoring
  • human milk
  • newborn
  • perinatal exposure
  • persistent organic pollutants
  • pregnant women

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