In-utero exposure to DDT and pyrethroids and child behavioral and emotional problems at 2 years of age in the VHEMBE cohort, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Half the world's population is at risk for malaria. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with insecticides has been effective in controlling malaria, yet the potential neurotoxicity of these insecticides is of concern, particularly for infants exposed in utero.

Objectives

To determine the association of prenatal exposure to DDT/DDE and pyrethroid insecticides and behavioral/emotional problems in two-year-old children.

Methods

The Venda Health Examination of Mothers, Babies and their Environment (VHEMBE) birth cohort in South Africa, measured concentrations of p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE in maternal serum and pyrethroid metabolites (cis-DBCA, cis-DCCA, trans-DCCA, and 3-PBA) in maternal urine collected during pregnancy. At 2 years, 683 mothers were interviewed about the

SUBMITTER: An S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9520228 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature