In utero exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and reduced neonatal physiological development from Guiyu, China

Primitive electronic-waste recycling resulted in serious pollution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment of Guiyu, China. We aimed to assess body burdens of PCBs and potential health risks for neonates. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples were collected from Guiyu, and the control area of Chaonan, China. PCBs in UCB were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The median ∑PCBs concentration was 338.56 ng g−1 lipid in UCB samples from Guiyu, vs. 140.16 ng g−1 lipid in samples from Chaonan. Mothers′ involvement in electronic-waste recycling activities and house used as family workshop were the significant factors that contributed to ∑PCBs level. Some individual PCB congeners were found to correlate with reduced neonatal height, weight, Apgar scores, gestational age, and body mass index (BMI). Difference of ∑PCBs level was found between normal birth and adverse birth outcomes. Neonates from Guiyu are exposed to high levels of PCBs; prenatal exposure to PCBs appears to influence neonatal health, but still needs further confirmation.

► Prenatal PCBs exposure and adverse health effects in Guiyu initially assessed.
► Neonates from Guiyu prenatally exposed to high levels of PCBs.
► Individual PCB congeners associated with reduced fetal physical development.
► Antenatal exposure to PCBs appears to have affected neonatal development.