Associations between exposure to brominated flame retardants with cognitive function in U.S. older adults: A cross-sectional study of NHANES from 2011 to 2012

Abstract

Background: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are commonly used in electronic products, clothing, and furniture to reduce their flammability. They are related to reproductive system dysfunction, liver dysfunction, and fetal development disorders. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between exposure to BFRs mixtures and cognitive impairment in the general population aged 60 and above. Methods: Total 348 adults aged 60 years or older who had serum BFRs measured and four cognitive tests were enrolled in this study. Use multiple linear regression weighted models and stratified analysis to determine the causal relationship between BFRs and cognitive function in the elderly. Results: Multiple linear regression weighted models indicate a negative correlation between BFRs and cognitive function in the elderly. Result display a negative correlation between PBDE99 and animal fluency testing (β:- 1.1,95%CI:-2.0,-0.12,P = 0.032). Conclusions: Our study provides new clues to the association of BFRs with cognitive function.

Keywords

• Brominated flame retardants
• Cognitive function
• Older adults
• NHANES