Impact of Pregnancy on the Concentrations of Dichlorophenols

Because of the concerns that exposure to 2,4-dicholorophenol (2,4-DCP) and 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP) may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes, this study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of pregnancy on the levels of 2,4-DCP and 2,5- DCP. Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to fit regression models to evaluate this association with adjustment for other factors that affect the levels of these chemicals. Non-pregnant females had higher levels of 2,4-DCP and 2,5-DCP than pregnant females but the differences were not statistically significant. Even though statistically significant trends were not detected, levels of 2,5-DCP increased over pregnancy trimesters. Non-Hispanic whites had the lowest levels of both 2,4-DCP and 2,5-DCP as compared to non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans (p < 0.01). Smoking did not affect the levels of either 2,4-DCP or 2,5-DCP. Those who were iron deficient had statistically significantly higher levels of both 2,4-DCP and 2,5- DCP than those who were iron replete (p < = 0.01).