US EPA

3351109 

Journal Article 

Internal exposure levels of typical POPs and their associations with childhood asthma in Shanghai, China 

Meng, G; Feng, Y; Nie, Z; Wu, X; Wei, H; Wu, S; Yin, Y; Wang, Y 

2016 

Yes 

Environmental Research
ISSN: 0013-9351
EISSN: 1096-0953 

146 

125-135 

English 

26748225 

10.1016/j.envres.2015.12.026 

WOS:000371196000016 

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are common persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that may be associated with childhood asthma. The concentrations of PBDEs, PCBs and OCPs were analyzed in pooled serum samples from both asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. The differences in the internal exposure levels between the case and control groups were tested (p value <0.0012). The associations between the internal exposure concentrations of the POPs and childhood asthma were estimated based on the odds ratios (ORs) calculated using logistic regression models. There were significant differences in three PBDEs, 26 PCBs and seven OCPs between the two groups, with significantly higher levels in the cases. The multiple logistic regression models demonstrated that the internal exposure concentrations of a number of the POPs (23 PCBs, p,p'-DDE and α-HCH) were positively associated with childhood asthma. Some synergistic effects were observed when the children were co-exposed to the chemicals. BDE-209 was positively associated with asthma aggravation. This study indicates the potential relationships between the internal exposure concentrations of particular POPs and the development of childhood asthma. 

Persistent organic pollutants; Childhood asthma; Internal exposure; Logistic regression model; Positive association.