A recent study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) sheds light on the negative consequences of prenatal exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) on the development of fetuses. The findings, which have been published in Epidemiology, indicate that higher levels of EO exposure during pregnancy are linked to reduced birth weight and head circumference in newborns.
Ethylene oxide is a chemical substance commonly used in industrial processes and healthcare settings known for its harmful mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Human exposure to EO typically occurs through inhaling tobacco smoke and air pollution generated by various household products, including cleaning agents and personal care items. Individuals working in healthcare and chemical industries are especially at risk of EO exposure, as the compound is frequently used in sterilization procedures. Previous research has shown that pregnant women exposed to elevated levels of EO at work are more likely to experience miscarriages and premature births compared to those with lower exposure levels.
This particular study focused on pregnant women and newborns from the general population, rather than a specific subgroup with known high EO exposure levels. The research team examined the levels of EO hemoglobin (Hb) adducts in the umbilical cord blood of 1,106 infants from five countries: Greece, Spain, Norway, the UK, and Denmark. This method of measurement offers valuable insights into the extent of EO exposure the fetus underwent during the final trimester of pregnancy, helping to understand its potential adverse effects on fetal development and birth outcomes.
The study utilized data from the NewGeneris project, which aimed to explore the impact of genotoxic exposures in the environment on children’s health by analyzing various biomarkers in cord blood samples. Details regarding birth weight, head circumference, sex, and gestational age were extracted from maternity records.
Higher Exposure Equals Lower Birth Weight and Smaller Head Circumference
The study results revealed that the median levels of EO-Hb adducts in the umbilical cords were higher in mothers who smoked compared to non-smoking mothers. Elevated levels of hemoglobin adducts were associated with reduced birth weight, with an average decrease of 3.30 grams for every 10 pmol/g increase in adduct levels. Additionally, higher levels of hemoglobin adducts correlated with a decrease in head circumference.
“A decrease in head circumference has been linked to delayed neurodevelopment, while lower birth weight raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis,” stated Barbara Harding, a researcher at ISGlobal and the primary author of the study.
The research team did not find any evidence of a connection between EO Hb adduct levels and the likelihood of being classified as small for gestational age (SGA), a condition that can jeopardize a baby’s short- and long-term health.
“The findings of the study underscore the significance of addressing EO exposure in both occupational and non-occupational settings. Implementing policy changes to minimize EO exposure among vulnerable populations, such as women of childbearing age, could safeguard fetal health and enhance birth outcomes,” highlighted Manolis Kogevinas, a researcher at ISGlobal and the senior author of the study.
