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Background: Perinatal exposure to phthalates is associated with adverse health impacts for parents and children. The field of environmental health literacy seeks to measure how environmental health information is conceptualized and used to inform behaviors. We assessed whether scores on the validated Phthalate Environmental Reproductive Health Literacy (PERHL) scale were associated with biomarkers of phthalate exposure., Methods: 42 members of the Environmental Reproductive and Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) cohort completed the PERHL scale and provided spot urine samples. Phthalate summary measures for model outcomes were created by calculating molar sums of specific gravity-corrected metabolite concentrations representing exposure to parent phthalate, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), personal care product (PCP)-associated phthalates, and parent butyl-phthalates. Linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of the PERHL scale scores with phthalate summary measures, controlling for educational attainment (college degree or higher vs. no college degree), age (years), and race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic White vs. non-White)., Results: Higher scores on the PERHL Scale and subscales were generally associated with lower ΣDEHP, Σbutyl, and ΣPCP metabolite concentrations. A one-point increase in the 'Protective Behavior/Risk Control' subscale score was significantly associated with a -30.3% (95% CI: -50.1, -2.6) decrease in ΣDEHP, and a -30.6% (95% CI: -51.5, -0.63) decrease in Σbutyl metabolite concentrations., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Children are potentially more susceptible to the adverse effects of pesticides due to more sensitive organ systems and lower capacity to metabolize and eliminate chemicals compared to adults. The health risks are particularly concerning children with asthma, living in low-income neighborhoods in multi-family housing because of their impaired respiratory health, and factors associated with low-income, multi-family environments., Objective: To assess the association between pesticide exposure and asthma morbidity among children 7-12 years residing in low-income, multi-family housing., Methods: The concentrations of seven urinary pesticide biomarkers: 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), 2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-hydroxypyrimidine, para-nitrophenol (PNP), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid, trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were measured. Children (n = 162) were followed for one year with three measures of pesticides biomarkers. Associations between individual biomarkers and asthma attack, asthma related health care utilization, and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), adjusting for demographic and household factors were examined with Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression was used to examine the effect of pesticide mixture on asthma attacks and asthma-related health care utilization (HCU)., Results: In adjusted GEE models, positive non-significant associations were found between PNP and HCU (adjusted Odds Ratio(aOR):2.05 95% CI:0.76-5.52) and null associations for 3-PBA and HCU (aOR:1.07 95% CI: 0.88-1.29). Higher concentrations of PNP and 2,4-D were associated with significantly lower FeNO levels (PNP: -17.4%; 2,4-D:-19.74%). The mixture was positively associated with HCU in unadjusted (OR: 1.56 97.5% CI: 1.08-2.27) but not significant in adjusted models (aOR: 1.40 97.5% CI: .86-2.29). The non-specific pyrethroid biomarker 3-PBA at baseline contributed the greatest weight to the index (45%)., Significance: There were non-significant associations between pesticide biomarkers and respiratory outcomes in children with asthma. There was a suggestive association between urinary pesticide biomarkers and HCU. Further studies with larger sample sizes could help to confirm these findings., Impact Statement: Pesticide exposure among children in the urban environment is ubiquitous and there is a dearth of information on the impact of low-level chronic exposure in vulnerable populations. This study suggested that pesticide exposure at concentrations below the national average may not affect asthma morbidity in children. However, different biomarkers of pesticides showed different effects, but the mixture suggested increasing pesticide exposure results in asthma related HCU. The results may show that children with asthma may be at risk for negative health outcomes due to pesticides and the need to further examine this relationship., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc.)

Background: Foreign-born Black and Latina women on average have higher birthweight infants than their US-born counterparts, despite generally worse socioeconomic indicators and prenatal care access, i.e., "immigrant birthweight paradox" (IBP). Residence in immigrant enclaves and associated social-cultural and economic benefits may be drivers of IBP. Yet, enclaves have been found to have higher air pollution, a risk factor for lower birthweight., Objective: We investigated the association of immigrant enclaves and children's birthweight accounting for prenatal ambient air pollution exposure., Methods: In the Boston-based Children's HealthWatch cohort of mother-child dyads, we obtained birthweight-for-gestational-age z-scores (BWGAZ) for US-born births, 2006-2015. We developed an immigrant enclave score based on census-tract percentages of foreign-born, non-citizen, and linguistically-isolated households statewide. We estimated trimester-specific PM 2.5 concentrations and proximity to major roads based residential address at birth. We fit multivariable linear regressions of BWGAZ and examined effect modification by maternal nativity. Analyses were restricted to nonsmoking women and term births., Results: Foreign-born women had children with 0.176 (95% CI: 0.092, 0.261) higher BWGAZ than US-born women, demonstrating the IBP in our cohort. Immigrant enclave score was not associated with BWGAZ, even after adjusting for air pollution exposures. However, this association was significantly modified by maternal nativity (p interaction  = 0.014), in which immigrant enclave score was positively associated with BWGAZ for only foreign-born women (0.090, 95% CI: 0.007, 0.172). Proximity to major roads was negatively associated with BWGAZ (-0.018 per 10 m, 95% CI: -0.032, -0.003) and positively correlated with immigrant enclave scores. Trimester-specific PM 2.5 concentrations were not associated with BWGAZ., Significance: Residence in immigrant enclaves was associated with higher birthweight children for foreign-born women, supporting the role of immigrant enclaves in the IBP. Future research of the IBP should account for immigrant enclaves and assess their spatial correlation with potential environmental risk factors and protective resources., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc.)

Background: Fast food consumption is associated with biomarkers of ortho-phthalates exposures. However, the chemical content of fast food is unknown; certain ortho-phthalates (i.e., di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) have been phased out and replaced with other plasticizers (e.g., dioctyl terephthalate (DEHT))., Objective: We conducted a preliminary study to examine ortho-phthalate and replacement plasticizer concentrations in foods and food handling gloves from U.S. fast food restaurants., Methods: We obtained hamburgers, fries, chicken nuggets, chicken burritos, cheese pizza (n = 64 food samples) and gloves (n = 3) from restaurants and analyzed them for 11 chemicals using gas chromatography mass spectrometry., Results: We found DEHT at the highest concentrations in both foods (n = 19; median = 2510 µg/kg; max = 12,400 µg/kg) and gloves (n = 3; range: 28-37% by weight). We detected DnBP and DEHP in 81% and 70% of food samples, respectively. Median DEHT concentrations were significantly higher in burritos than hamburgers (6000 µg/kg vs. 2200 µg/kg; p < 0.0001); DEHT was not detected in fries. Cheese pizza had the lowest levels of most chemicals., Significance: To our knowledge, these are the first measurements of DEHT in food. Our preliminary findings suggest that ortho-phthalates remain ubiquitous and replacement plasticizers may be abundant in fast food meals., Impact Statement: A selection of popular fast food items sampled in this study contain detectable levels of replacement plasticizers and concerning ortho-phthalates. In addition, food handling gloves contain replacement plasticizers, which may be a source of food contamination. These results, if confirmed, may inform individual and regulatory exposure reduction strategies., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: There is growing concern about children's chronic low-level pesticide exposure and its impact on health. Green building practices (e.g., reducing leakage of the thermal and pressure barrier that surrounds the structure, integrated pest management, improved ventilation) have the potential to reduce pesticide exposure. However, the potential impact of living in green housing on children's pesticide exposure is unknown., Objective: To address this question, a longitudinal study of pyrethroid metabolites (3-phenoxybenzoic acid [3-PBA], 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid [4-F-3-PBA], trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid [trans-DCCA]) in first morning void urine, collected from 68 children from New Orleans, Louisiana residing in green and non-green housing was conducted., Methods: Children were followed for 1 year with three repeated measures of pesticide exposure. Generalized estimating equations examined associations between housing type (green vs. non-green) and urinary pyrethroid metabolite concentrations adjusting for demographic and household factors over the year., Results: Ninety-five percent of samples had detectable concentrations of 3-PBA (limit of detection [LOD]: 0.1 μg/L); 8% of 4-F-3-PBA (LOD: 0.1 μg/L), and 12% of trans-DCCA (LOD: 0.6 μg/L). In adjusted models, green housing was not associated with statistically significant differences in children's 3-PBA urinary concentrations compared to non-green housing.

Background: Personal care products (PCPs) are an important source of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes., Objective: We evaluated EDC-associated PCP use and acculturation among Asian women., Methods: Our study included 227 foreign-born Chinese women ages 18-45 seeking obstetrics-gynecology care at community health centers (Boston, MA). Acculturation was measured by English-language use, length of US residence, and age at US entry. Self-reported use of PCPs (crème rinse/conditioner, shampoo, perfume/cologne, bar soap/body wash, liquid hand soap, moisturizer/lotion, colored cosmetics, sunscreen, and nail polish) in the last 48 h was collected. Latent class analysis was used to identify usage patterns. We also conducted multivariable logistic to determine the cross-sectional associations of acculturation measures and the use of individual PCP types., Results: Those who used more PCP types, overall and by each type, tended to be more acculturated. Women who could speak English had 2.77 (95% CI: 1.10-7.76) times the odds of being high PCP users compared to their non-English speaking counterparts. English-language use was associated with higher odds of using perfume/cologne and nail polish., Significance: Our findings give insight about EDC-associated PCP use based on acculturation status, which can contribute to changes in immigrant health and health disparities.

Rapid urbanization in developing countries, with significant rural-to-urban and between-urban areas migration, presents a natural epidemiological model to better understand population-level trends in asthma and allergy prevalance without confounding by genetic factors. This cross-sectional study, conducted November 2014 to January 2015 in Suzhou, China, investigated differences in asthma and allergic symptoms between domestic migrant residents and long-term residents and their children. Using multivariate logistic regression, the odds ratios for children in migrant families compared to those in long-term resident families in Suzhou for doctor-diagnosed asthma, pneumonia, rhinitis, and eczema were 0.56 (95% CI: 0.42.0.73), 0.60 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.72), 0.63 (95% CI:0.52, 0.77), and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.89), respectively. While there was a lower prevalence of asthma and allergic symptoms for domestic migrants (children and parents) compared to the local population in Suzhou, migrant children had a higher asthma rate than their parents. This follows the trend of increasing asthma rates for children in the urban local population, suggesting an environmental component. Parental migration plays a role in both parental and children's health but further investigations are needed to determine how these results may be shaped by early life exposures, lifestyle differences, and other environmental factors.

Phthalates exposure has been linked to multiple health risks, and US immigrants may have different exposures to phthalates due to lifestyle differences. Urinary concentrations of eight phthalate metabolites (mono-ethyl phthalate [MEP], mono-n-butyl phthalate [MnBP], mono-isobutyl phthalate [MiBP], mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate [MCPP], mono-benzyl phthalate [MBzP], mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate [MEHP], mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate [MEHHP], mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate [MEOHP]) were measured in 10318 US-born and 3511 foreign-born individuals from NHANES 1999-2014. Using multivariate adjusted linear regression, we assessed whether phthalate metabolite levels differed by nativity in the whole population, within racial/ethnic groups, and by years in the US. We also tested whether immigrant demographics predicted phthalate metabolite levels. In fully adjusted models, MEP, MnBP, and MiBP were significantly higher, and MBzP significantly lower, among immigrants than US-born participants. Among immigrants, MnBP and MiBP significantly declined with longer time in the US (P trend  = 0.029 and P trend  = 0.039, respectively), while MCPP and MBzP significantly rose (P trend  = 0.019 and P trend  = 0.043, respectively). Results within each racial/ethnic group were consistent with the whole population. Among immigrants, women had significantly higher metabolite levels than men (all p < 0.01), and MEP, MnBP, and MCPP differed by race/ethnicity. Due to higher phthalate exposures, immigrants may be especially vulnerable to phthalate-associated health problems.

Owing to data collection challenges, the vertical variation in population in cities and particulate air pollution are typically not accounted for in exposure assessments, which may lead to misclassification of exposures based on elevation of residency. To better assess this misclassification, the vertical distribution of the potentially highly exposed population (PHEP), defined as all residents within the 100-m buffer zone of above-ground highways or the 200-m buffer zone of a highway-tunnel exit, was estimated for four floor categories in Boston's Chinatown (MA, USA) using the three-dimensional digital geography methodology. Vertical profiles of particle number concentration (7-3000 nm; PNC) and particulate matter (PM2.5) mass concentration were measured by hoisting instruments up the vertical face of an 11-story (35-m) building near the study area throughout the day on multiple days. The concentrations from all the profiles (n=23) were averaged together for each floor category. As measurement elevation increased from 0 to 35 m PNC decreased by 7.7%, compared with 3.6% for PM2.5. PHEP was multiplied by the average PNC for each floor category to assess exposures for near-highway populations. The results show that adding temporally-averaged vertical air pollution data had a small effect on residential ambient exposures for our study population; however, greater effects were observed when individual days were considered (e.g., winds were off the highways).

We investigated the magnitude and distribution of pyrethroid and organophosphate pesticide loadings within public housing dwellings in Boston, Massachusetts and compared the results using various sampling methods. We collected dust matrices from living room and kitchen in 42 apartments and analyzed for eleven pyrethoids (e.g., permethrin and cyfluthrin) and two organophosphates (chlorpyrifos and diazinon) in house dust using GC/MS. Agreement between sampling methods were evaluated using Spearman correlations and Kappa statistics. Permethrin and chlorpyrifos were detected in kitchen floor wipes in all homes, followed in frequency of detects by diazinon (98%), cypermethrin (90%) and cyfluthrin (71%). At least six pesticides were detected in kitchen floor wipes in the majority of the homes (range 3-8). Positive and statistically significant correlations among dust matrices were observed between kitchen floor wipes and living room vacuum dust, including for diazinon (r=0.62) and cyfluthrin (r=0.69). Detection of several pesticides including banned or restricted use products in some public housing units, underscore the need for alternative pest management strategies that embrace the safe and judicious use of pest control products.