Contribution of Consumer Products to Emerging Chemical Exposures in a Preconception Cohort Study
TL;DR
It is demonstrated that consumer products contribute to complex exposure mixtures with reproductive health implications during preconception, as well as health hazard assessment, which identified 107 high-risk EDCs and 47 compounds predicted to have medium-to-high impacts on reproductive outcomes.
Abstract
In the United States (U.S.), 15% of couples attempting pregnancy experience infertility, and 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Environmental chemical exposures, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from consumer products, may contribute to reproductive health challenges. We mailed wearable passive samplers (Fresh Air wristbands) to 132 female participants across 39 U.S. states and 24 of their male partners in the Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) to characterize exposure among couples trying to conceive between January and October 2021. Wristbands were analyzed using thermal desorption gas chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry with targeted and nontargeted approaches. Nontargeted analysis revealed exposure to 491 chemicals, predominantly benzenoids (36.9%) and organoheterocyclic compounds (18.3%). Health hazard assessment identified 107 high-risk EDCs and 47 compounds predicted to have medium-to-high impacts on reproductive outcomes, including galaxolide, salicylates, and phthalates. Targeted analysis quantified 43 chemicals, revealing universal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phthalates. Lifestyle factors influenced exposures: frequent sunscreen users had up to 3.1 times higher ultraviolet filter exposures, while dog owners had 1.2–2.6 times higher exposure to fragrance compounds. Among cohabitating couples, few similarities were observed, despite shared environments. The findings demonstrate that consumer products contribute to complex exposure mixtures with reproductive health implications during preconception.