June 2020 Spotlight
PROTECT Study finds that among metals, maternal blood lead concentrations were strongly associated with increased risk of preterm birth
PROTECT explores how environmental exposures during pregnancy may impact preterm birth risk, specifically studying a Puerto Rican cohort due to higher levels of preterm birth compared to the U.S. mainland. In this instance, pregnant women in this cohort had relatively low blood lead (Pb) concentrations when compared to the general US population. However, despite the lower concentrations, analysis revealed that maternal blood lead was the most strongly associated with increased risk of preterm birth of all the metals assessed. The results provide evidence that even very low lead exposure, indicated by blood lead levels well below current reference levels, may be associated with preterm birth. Additionally, they found that elevated levels of essential metals manganese and zinc during pregnancy may also adversely affect birth outcomes.
Where are Superfund Sites in Puerto Rico?
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In the News
- Project 2 Post Doc Elana Elkin awarded the Edward W. Carney Trainee Award at the Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting
- Project 2 Trainee Anthony Su receives the Eugene Feingold Excellence in Diversity Award
- PROTECT Study finds that among metals, maternal blood lead concentrations were strongly associated with increased risk of preterm birth
- PROTECT Study finds further evidence that exposure to metals, phthalates, pesticides, among other chemicals contribute to negative birth outcomes such as miscarriage
- PROTECT Study Finds Decrease in Phthalate Exposure Coincides with Increase in Phthalate Replacement Chemicals in PROTECT Cohort
- Project 5 Trainee Shayan Hojabri Receives Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award
PROTECT Calendar
Upcoming Events
2020 Annual SRP Meeting, December 14-16 | College Station, Texas
All Events Download the PROTECT Winter 2020 meetings & events calendar (updated 02/28/20)
