Perinatal Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors and Infant Hormonal Developmental Abnormalities Risks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67440/ahj.v21i3s.1028Keywords:
Endocrine disruptors, perinatal exposure, infant hormonal development, bisphenol A, phthalates, hormonal abnormalities, environmental health, fetal development, endocrine disruption, neonatal outcomes.Abstract
Background:
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental compounds capable of interfering with hormonal signaling pathways during critical periods of fetal and infant development. Common endocrine disruptors, including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants, have been increasingly associated with adverse reproductive, metabolic, and neuroendocrine outcomes. Perinatal exposure to these substances may alter hormonal regulation and increase the risk of developmental abnormalities in infants.
Objective:
To assess the relationship between perinatal exposure to endocrine disruptors and the risk of hormonal developmental abnormalities among infants.
Methodology:
A retrospective observational assessment was conducted involving 130 mother–infant pairs. Data on maternal exposure to endocrine disruptors during pregnancy, environmental risk factors, and infant hormonal development outcomes were collected from clinical records and exposure assessments. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate associations between exposure levels and developmental abnormalities.
Findings:
The results revealed that 38.5% of infants with high endocrine disruptor exposure exhibited hormonal developmental abnormalities compared with 16.9% among low-exposure infants. Thyroid hormone irregularities were observed in 29.2% of exposed infants, while growth-related hormonal disturbances affected 24.6%. Infants with elevated prenatal exposure demonstrated significantly higher developmental risk scores. The predictive assessment model achieved an overall accuracy of 84.7% in identifying infants at risk of hormonal abnormalities.
Conclusion:
Perinatal exposure to endocrine disruptors is significantly associated with increased risks of infant hormonal developmental abnormalities. Early exposure monitoring and preventive environmental health strategies may reduce adverse developmental outcomes and support healthier infant growth and endocrine function.
