Exposure of reproductive-aged pregnant and nonpregnant women to common environmental pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals: A cross-sectional survey at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital

CONTEXT: Exposure to environmental pollutants (EP) and Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is associated with several general negative health effects which compromise women's reproductive health, maternal, and neonatal outcomes. Unfortunately, many nonpregnant and pregnant women are unaware of their active exposure to these potentially slow-acting toxic substances, EPs, and EDCs. At any stage of life, and in the long-term minute exposures, there is no established safe level of exposure to these substances. Due to the potentially harmful effects on women in general, and to the pregnant and her unborn child in particular, it is important to establish the prevalence of their exposure.AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude (prevalence) of exposure among nonpregnant and pregnant women aged 18–49 years to common EPs/EDCs such as bisphenol A, pesticides, phthalates, and perfluorinated compounds among others.SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was conducted at the Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study participants were nonpregnant and pregnant women, with low-risk singleton pregnancy, and had a prenatal checkup and eventual delivery at the Philippine General Hospital. After consent, women were asked to answer a survey focused on their sociodemographics and frequency of exposure to EP- and EDC-containing items.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Null hypotheses were rejected at 0.05 α-level of significance. The computer software STATA 13.1 was used for data analysis.RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-nine survey responses by women were analyzed. Possible EDC-containing household items (carpets, linoleum, upholstered, and stain-resistant furniture) are more prevalent in the homes of pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women. Pregnant women are also exposed to wallpapers compared to nonpregnant individuals. Nonpregnant women were 1.5 times more exposed to lotions. Unexposure to hand sanitizers is 1.3 times higher among pregnant individuals.CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in the prevalence of exposure to household EDC-containing items between pregnant and nonpregnant women, with pregnant women having a higher prevalence of exposure.