A recent study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) sheds light on the adverse effects of prenatal exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) on foetal development. Published in Epidemiology, the research reveals that increased EO exposure during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight and smaller head circumference in newborns.
The Impact of Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene oxide, a chemical commonly used in industrial processes and hospitals, is known for its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Human exposure to EO primarily occurs through inhalation of tobacco smoke and air pollution from household products, including cleaning agents and personal care items. Healthcare and chemical industry workers are particularly at risk due to EO’s use in sterilisation processes. Previous studies have already linked higher EO exposure during pregnancy to an increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
A Broader Perspective
Unlike previous studies that focused on specific populations with known high EO exposure, this new research examined pregnant women and newborns from the general population. The team analysed EO hemoglobin (Hb) adduct levels in the cord blood of 1,106 newborns across five countries: Greece, Spain, Norway, the UK, and Denmark. These adduct levels provide valuable information about the foetus’s EO exposure during the last three months of pregnancy, helping researchers understand potential effects on foetal development and birth outcomes.
Key Findings
The study found that median EO-Hb adduct levels in the umbilical cord were higher in newborns of smoking mothers compared to non-smoking mothers. Moreover, higher hemoglobin adduct levels correlated with:
• Lower Birth Weight: For every 10 pmol/g increase in hemoglobin adducts, mean birth weight decreased by 3.30 grams.
• Smaller Head Circumference: Increasing hemoglobin adduct levels were associated with a decrease in head circumference.
Barbara Harding, an ISGlobal researcher and the study’s first author, highlighted the significance of these findings. Reduced head circumference has been linked to delayed neurodevelopment, while lower birth weight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.
No Association with Small for Gestational Age (SGA)
Interestingly, the study did not find evidence of an association between EO Hb adduct levels and the risk of being small for gestational age (SGA), a condition that can impact a baby’s short- and long-term health.
Implications and Recommendations
The study underscores the need to address EO exposure in both occupational and non-occupational settings. Implementing policy changes to reduce EO exposure, especially among women of childbearing age, could protect foetal health and improve birth outcomes. Manolis Kogevinas, an ISGlobal researcher and senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings.
