Short summary

We aim to create a mother-child cohort consisting of pregnant women from three sites across Denmark and assess levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in maternal serum during pregnancy and breastmilk after birth. We plan to follow the women and children for a year and further investigate potential health effects associated to PFAS exposure in both mother and child.

Rationale

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants used in industrial and consumer products. Due to their stability, they bioaccumulate in the environment and food chains. PFAS cross the placenta and is excreted in breast milk, leading to early life exposure during vulnerable developmental stages. PFAS have been associated with various adverse health outcomes, leading to regulation and reduced use of legacy PFAS in Denmark. However, new PFAS have emerged, and the current PFAS exposure status is unknown among pregnant women.

Description of the cohort

Five hundred first time pregnant women from Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Hvidovre Hospital (HH) and Odense University Hospital (OUH). Inclusion at routine ultra sound scan

Data and biological material

Serum collected during pregnancy Breastmilk collected after birth. Data from medical birth registry. Questionnaires, early pregnancy, during breastfeeding and at 1 year.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Gynækologisk Obstetrisk Afdeling D Odense Universitetshospital og Svendborg Sygehus (OUH)

• • Christina Anne Vinter, klinisk lektor, ph.d., ledende overlæge

Afdeling for Kvindesygdomme og Fødsler Aarhus Universitetshospital (AUH)

• Puk Sandager, klinisk lektor, ph.d.
• Julie Glavind, klinisk lektor, ph.d.

Gynækologisk-Obstetrisk Afdeling, Hvidovre Hospital (HVH)

• Henriette Svarre Nielsen, professor