Association between perfluorinated compound concentrations in cord serum and birth weight using multiple regression models

Abstract

The effects of exposure to the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on birth weight have been examined in several studies, but other PFASs have not been considered. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of newborns in Seoul, South Korea, collecting 118 serum samples, for 85 of which we had a full range of information. We conducted multiple regression analyses to examine the association between nine PFAS concentrations in cord serum and birth weight. Seven PFASs were found in cord serum, PFOA and PFOS being dominant, with mean concentrations of 1.11 and 0.87ng/mL, respectively. The adjusted birth weight changes (natural log) were -0.14 (95% confidence interval -0.33-0.03) for PFOS and -0.03 (95% confidence interval -0.25-0.18) for PFOA. None of the PFASs were statistically associated with birth weight in this population.

Keywords: Birth weight; Cord serum; Exposure; Multiple regression model; Perfluoroalkyl compounds.