Umbilical cord blood PBDEs concentrations in relation to placental size at birth

Previous studies have linked prenatal polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure to adverse birth outcomes. Reductions in placental size might mediate those adverse effects. We examined whether umbilical cord blood PBDEs concentrations were associated with placental size at birth. A total of 121 mother-newborn pairs residing in Wenzhou were enrolled in this study. Concentrations of 19 PBDEs in umbilical cord blood were determined by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Placental length, breadth and surface area was measured by medical professionals after delivery. BDE-206, 207, 208, 209 and the total of 19 PBDE congeners concentrations were negatively associated with placental length, breadth and surface area. Our results suggest that prenatal PBDEs exposure may suppress placental growth, resulting in reduced placental size.