Identifying risk factors for levels of perfluoroalkyl substances in the placenta in a high-risk pregnancy cohort in North Carolina

Published

December 31, 2020

Author(s)

Jacqueline T. Bangma, Lauren A. Eaves, Kirsi Oldenburg, Jessica L. Reiner, Tracy Manuck, Rebecca C. Fry

Abstract

Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a ubiquitous class of chemicals, is associated with adverse outcomes such as preeclampsia, low infant birth weight and later-life adiposity. The objectives of this study were to examine PFAS levels in the placenta and identify sociodemographic risk factors in a high-risk pregnancy cohort (n=122) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. We also examined the relationship between PFAS placental levels and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal growth, and gestational age at birth. Similar placental levels of PFOS and PFOA were observed when compared to cohorts in China and Denmark. Levels of PFHxS in the placenta were significantly higher in smoking mothers compared to non- smoking mothers. Maternal race/ethnicity was associated with significant differences in PFUnA levels. No significant associations were observed between PFAS levels and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy status, fetal growth, or gestational age in the current study. These data provide information on PFAS levels in the placenta in a US cohort and highlight the need to biomonitor for exposure to PFAS during pregnancy among all women of childbearing age. Future research should investigate factors underlying the differences in PFAS levels in association with a mother's smoking habits and race/ethnicity.

Citation

Environmental Science and Technology

Issue

54

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

PFAS, PFOS, PFHxS, PFUnA, Placenta, Smoking

Citation

Bangma, J. , Eaves, L. , Oldenburg, K. , Reiner, J. , Manuck, T. and Fry, R. (2020), Identifying risk factors for levels of perfluoroalkyl substances in the placenta in a high-risk pregnancy cohort in North Carolina, Environmental Science and Technology (Accessed October 12, 2025)