Indoor Air Insecticide Levels during Pregnancy in New York City
Author Information
Author(s): Whyatt Robin M., Garfinkel Robin, Hoepner Lori A., Holmes Darrell, Borjas Mejico, Williams Megan K., Reyes Andria, Rauh Virginia, Perera Frederica P., Camann David E.
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess within- and between-home variability in indoor-air insecticides over the final 2 months of pregnancy among a cohort of African-American and Dominican women from New York City.
Conclusion
Insecticides were found to be persistent in homes with little variability in air concentrations over the two months, contributing to chronic maternal inhalation exposures during pregnancy.
Supporting Evidence
- 99-100% of personal and indoor samples contained chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and propoxur.
- Indoor and maternal personal air insecticide levels were highly correlated (r = 0.7–0.9, p < 0.001).
- Between-home variability accounted for 88% of the variance in indoor air levels of propoxur.
Takeaway
The study found that many pregnant women in New York City are exposed to insecticides in their homes, which can stay in the air for a long time.
Methodology
The study involved air sampling from 102 women over the final 2 months of pregnancy, measuring levels of nine insecticides in personal and indoor air samples.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported pesticide use and exposure.
Limitations
The study was limited to women not employed outside the home, which may not represent all pregnant women.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily African-American and Dominican women, with 46% having less than a high school education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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