Breaking In through Critical Windows: p,p′-DDE May Alter Fetal Neurodevelopment
2007
Impact of DDT Metabolite on Infant Development
Sample size: 244
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Barrett Julia R.
Hypothesis
Does prenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE damage early neurodevelopment?
Conclusion
Prenatal exposure to p,p′-DDE is associated with impaired psychomotor development in infants.
Supporting Evidence
- p,p′-DDE was detected in all maternal blood samples.
- Only first-trimester concentrations of p,p′-DDE were associated with impaired psychomotor development.
- Breastfeeding appeared to have a slight protective effect.
- The study suggests further attention to prenatal p,p′-DDE exposure is needed.
Takeaway
If a mom has a chemical called p,p′-DDE in her blood while she's pregnant, it might make her baby have trouble moving and developing properly.
Methodology
The study involved 1,585 women providing blood samples and data during pregnancy, with evaluations of their children at various ages.
Limitations
Lead exposure could not be completely excluded as a contributing factor due to incomplete data.
Participant Demographics
Reproductive-age women from Morelos, Mexico.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website