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Early-Life Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Child Language and Communication Development: A Systematic Review

Author

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  • Charlotte Stübner

    (Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Department of Pediatric Speech and Language Pathology, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Christel Nielsen

    (Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
    Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark)

  • Kristina Jakobsson

    (School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Christopher Gillberg

    (Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Carmela Miniscalco

    (Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Department of Pediatric Speech and Language Pathology, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
    Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden)

Abstract

Language development starts during the fetal period when the brain is sensitive to endocrine disruptions from environmental contaminants. This systematic review aims to systematically summarize the existing literature on early-life exposure to PFAS and children’s language and communication development, which is an indicator of neurocognitive development. A structured literature search was conducted using three databases, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, last updated in April 2023. The population was defined as children and young adults. PFAS exposure was assessed pre- or postnatally. The outcome was defined as a language and communication ability assessed with validated instruments, parental self-reports, or clinical language disorder diagnoses. In total, 15 studies were identified for subsequent analyses. Thirteen were performed in background-exposed populations and two in highly exposed populations. There were some indications of potential adverse effects; however, these were not consistent across child sex, age of assessment, or PFAS exposure levels. No systematic effect of early-life PFAS exposure on language and communication development was found. These inconclusive findings may partly be explained by the use of general test instruments with limited validity as to children’s language and communication development. Further studies over a wider exposure range using specific language test instruments are needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Charlotte Stübner & Christel Nielsen & Kristina Jakobsson & Christopher Gillberg & Carmela Miniscalco, 2023. "Early-Life Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Child Language and Communication Development: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(24), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:24:p:7170-:d:1298834
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Trudel & Lea Horowitz & Matthias Wormuth & Martin Scheringer & Ian T. Cousins & Konrad Hungerbühler, 2008. "Estimating Consumer Exposure to PFOS and PFOA," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(2), pages 251-269, April.
    2. Kristen M. Rappazzo & Evan Coffman & Erin P. Hines, 2017. "Exposure to Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances and Health Outcomes in Children: A Systematic Review of the Epidemiologic Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-22, June.
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