ECHO Study Investigates Exposure to Flame-Retardants During Pregnancy and Childhood Obesity Risk

Authors: Alicia K. Peterson, Assiamira Ferrara, et al.

Who sponsored this study?

The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health supported this research.

Why was this study needed?

Organophosphate esters (OPE) replaced polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as flame retardants and plastic softeners in the mid-2000s. They are now present in various household and industrial products, including polyurethane foam, furniture, electronics, construction materials, infant products, textiles, and fabrics. Health officials have raised concerns about their impact on hormone systems and potential links to obesity. This study looked at whether the levels of OPEs found in a mother's urine during pregnancy were associated with a higher risk of obesity in her child.

What were the study results?

The study found varying associations between gestational OPE exposure and childhood obesity.  The study found that children aged 5 to 10 years who were exposed to higher levels of dibutyl phosphate and di-isobutyl phosphate (DBUP/DIBP) during their mother’s pregnancy had a 14% greater risk of developing obesity compared to those with the lowest exposure levels. In contrast, children whose mothers had higher exposure levels of bis (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP) during their mother’s pregnancy had a 15% lower risk of developing obesity than those with the lowest levels of exposure. Researchers measured for evidence of nine different OPEs in pregnant participants’ urine. Evidence of exposure to DBUP/DIBP and BDCPP was present in more than 80% of the samples. No association with obesity risk was observed for the rest of the OPEs measured.

What was this study's impact?

The study highlights the potential public health issue of gestational OPE exposure and its association with childhood obesity. It suggests the need for further investigation across a broad range of OPE exposures and could inform potential regulations on the manufacture and use of OPEs.

Who was involved?

The study involved 5,087 individuals from 14 ECHO Cohort Study Sites. The study population was geographically, racially, and ethnically diverse.

What happened during the study?

Researchers measured OPE exposure in the urine samples of pregnant participants between 2006 and 2020 and collected BMI measurements for the children from infancy to age 10 years.

Note: Results reported here are for a single study. Other or future studies may provide new information or different results. You should not make changes to your health without first consulting your healthcare professional.

What happens next?

Further studies could help researchers better understand the associations between gestational exposure across a broad range of OPE exposures and childhood obesity.

Where can I learn more?

Access the full journal article, “Gestational Exposure to Organophosphate Ester Flame Retardants and Risk of Childhood Obesity in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Consortium,” in Environment International.

The content is the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Published October 17, 2024

Read the associated press release.