Effects of emerging organic contaminants on childhood obesity and neurodevelopment: A review

Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) are new or existing chemicals that their human risks are of concern. Most EOCs are persistent, bioaccumulative, and endocrine disrupting. Humans can be exposed to EOCs through inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, ect. Most EOCs could pass through the placenta and blood-brain barrier and exert adverse health effects by interfering hormones. Offspring in early-life are susceptible to EOCs due to their special developmental stage. Herein, exposure to several ubiquitous EOCs such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA), and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in early life and their relationships with obesity or neurodevelopment were summarized. Quantifying the health effects of EOCs mixtures, improving EOCs exposure assessment, and identifying susceptible populations and sensitive windows could help establish the causal effects of EOCs exposure in early life on childhood obesity and neurodevelopment and and provide a scientific basis for public interventions.