Work

Gestational Exposure to Organophosphate Esters and Bone Health at Age 18 Years: The Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to bone toxicity, yet no studies have investigated whether gestational OPE exposures impact late adolescent bone mineral density (BMD) and accrual, which are key predictors of adult skeletal health. In the HOME Study, we quantified four urinary OPE metabolites twice during pregnancy (2003–2006). We assessed volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone geometry using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at an 18-year visit and measured areal BMD (aBMD) at six skeletal sites using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 12- and 18-year visits (n = 218). We calculated aBMD Z-scores at both visits and annualized percent aBMD accrual between visits. Using covariate-adjusted linear regression, we estimated overall and sex-specific differences in bone outcomes per interquartile range increase in pregnancy-averaged OPE biomarker concentrations. Overall, associations with late adolescent bone health outcomes were predominantly null; however, several biomarker-, skeletal site-, and sex-specific patterns emerged. Higher gestational diphenyl phosphate concentrations were associated with lower cortical thickness, aBMD, and aBMD accrual, with stronger inverse whole body and spine aBMD accrual associations among males than females (sex difference p-values < 0.10). We also observed inverse associations between bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate and ultradistal radius and spine aBMD Z-scores among males but not females (p < 0.10). Gestational OPE exposure may influence adolescent skeletal development, with varying effects by skeletal site and sex.

Source: Environment & Health

DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.6c00532