Prenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT in relation to lower respiratory tract infections in boys from a highly exposed area of Mexico

Abstract

Background Prenatal exposure to 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p′-DDE), the major breakdown product of DDT, has been associated with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants. However, epidemiological investigations are limited. Objective To assess the association of prenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT with the occurrence of LRTI in boys from Chiapas, a highly exposed area of Mexico. Methods We analyzed data from 747 singleton boys whose prenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT was determined in maternal serum drawn at delivery (2002–2003). LRTI (i.e., pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and other illness of the bronchi) experienced by the children were reported by their mothers during in-person interviews. The median age of the children when they were last seen was 21.4 months (quartiles 19.1 and 25.3 months). Results Median exposure to p,p′-DDE in this population was higher (2.7 μg/g lipid) than recent U.S. levels (0.20 μg/g). There were 0.19 episodes of LRTI per child-year. After adjusting for potential confounders, children in the highest category of p,p′-DDE (>9.00 μg/g) exposure compared to those in the lowest (≤3.00 μg/g) had an adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) of LRTI of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–1.46). The corresponding aIRR for p,p′-DDT (≥2.00 μg/g compared to ≤0.25 μg/g) was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.30–1.39). Conclusion An association of prenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT with LRTI during childhood was not supported in this population with relatively high levels of exposure.

Respiratory and Allergic Effects in Children Exposed to Pesticides—A Systematic Review

“…Prenatal and childhood exposure to OP (assessed through urinary DAP) were non-significantly associated with respiratory symptoms at ages 5 and 7 years old [19]. Higher prenatal exposure to OC (p,p-DDE and p,p-DDT in maternal serum) was not associated with a higher risk of lower respiratory tract infections [49].…”

“…In a hospital-based case control study with 620 Chinese children aged 3 to 6 years, asthmatic children presented significantly higher levels than non-asthmatic children of seven OC chemicals (α-HCH, HCB, β-HCH, γ-HCH, Heptachlor, p,p'-DDE and o,p'-DDT) [48]. A study of 747 boys aged 12 to 21 months in Mexico investigated the effects of pesticides applied for malaria control in maternal serum samples, and found no associations with lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis [49].…”

Maternal Peripartum Serum DDT/E and Urinary Pyrethroid Metabolite Concentrations and Child Infections at 2 Years in the VHEMBE Birth Cohort

“…For example, a German study reported that child (postnatal) p,p ′-DDE concentrations were associated with lower risk of otitis media in 7- to 10-y-olds ( Karmaus et al. 2001 ) and a Mexican study observed an association between higher prenatal p,p ′-DDE concentration and lower risk of LRTI in 2-y-old boys ( Cupul-Uicab et al. 2014 ).…”

Efeitos à saúde por exposição ambiental e ocupacional aos pesticidas de uso agrícola

“…Prenatal and childhood exposure to OP (assessed through urinary DAP) were non-significantly associated to respiratory symptoms at ages 5 and 7 years old (Raanan et al, 2015). Higher prenatal exposure to OC (p,p-DDE and p,p-DDT in maternal serum) were not associated to higher risk of lower respiratory tract infections (Cupul-Uicab et al, 2014).…”

“…In a hospital-based case control study with 620 Chinese children aged 3 to 6 years, asthmatic children presented significantly higher levels than non-asthmatic children of seven OC (α-HCH, HCB, β-HCH, γ-HCH, Heptachlor, p,p'-DDE and o,p'-DDT) . A study with 747 boys aged 12-21 months in Mexico investigated the effects of the pesticides applied at home for malaria control in maternal serum samples, and found no associations with lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis (Cupul-Uicab et al, 2014).…”