Grantee Research Project Results
2006 Progress Report: Assessment of Perinatal PBDE Exposure and Related Child Behavioral and Cognitive Developmental Effects
EPA Grant Number: R832736Title: Assessment of Perinatal PBDE Exposure and Related Child Behavioral and Cognitive Developmental Effects
Investigators: Daniels, J L , Savitz, David A. , Herring, Amy H. , Siega-Riz, Anna Maria , Goldman, B , Evenson, Kelly
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
EPA Project Officer: Callan, Richard
Project Period: March 15, 2006 through March 14, 2009 (Extended to March 14, 2011)
Project Period Covered by this Report: March 15, 2006 through March 14, 2007
Project Amount: $749,990
RFA: Early Indicators of Environmentally Induced Disease (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category:
Objective:
We will assess correlation in the classification of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) exposure between the home exposure assessment, levels in milk, and levels in house dust. We will also identify factors in the home and diet that predict maternal PBDE levels in milk. We will estimate the change in cognitive and behavioral developmental scores relative to total PBDE level and PBDE composition using random effects models and generalized estimating equations, accounting for the correlation in development over time and adjusting for important confounding factors. This study will efficiently estimate contemporary PBDE levels from the largest human sample to date in North America, correlate household sources of exposure with levels measured in dust and in humans, and provide the first results of an investigation of the effects of PBDEs on early human development. These data will provide information about potential risks to development associated with exposure to PBDEs.
Progress Summary:
Data collection for the study has been administered in the field at four subsequent time points: 3 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months postpartum. Breastmilk specimens have been analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratory (n = 389). Analysis of first year postpartum household dust specimens is planned by the same laboratory. One hundred twenty-four environmental questionnaires and 94 developmental assessments at age 36 months have been completed to date. Data collection to support the evaluation of the home environment and related health, growth, and development of the 3-year-old children will continue through fall 2008. The study has accommodated the later start date for the funding cycle and is currently merging data from this study with existing data from the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition (PIN) Pregnancy and PIN Postpartum studies.
Future Activities:
Future activities include ongoing data collection and the attainment of 400 enrolled pairs of mothers with their 3-year-old children. Once all interviews, questionnaires, and specimen collections have been completed, the team will begin analyses to answer the specific aims for the study. Publications and presentations as a result of these analyses will follow later this year and into 2009.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 6 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
epidemiology, environmental health, exposure assessment, longitudinal, human milk biomarkers, PBDE, persistent organic pollutants,, RFA, Health, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Health Risk Assessment, Biochemistry, Children's Health, Environmental Policy, Risk Assessment, behavioral effects, childhood learning, developmental neurotoxicity, flame retardants, neurodevelopment, PBDE, perinatal exposure, Human Health Risk Assessment, assessment of exposure, cognitive development, developmental disordersProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.