Prenatal occupational exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds and birthweight: findings from a pilot study using meconium as a biological matrix.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prenatal exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) using meconium analysis and assess associations with newborn birthweight. METHODS: We analyzed meconium from 74 mother-infant dyads in two New York City public hospitals for 20 QACs using UPLC-MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified exposure patterns, and logistic regression assessed associations between PCA scores and birthweight at or below the 25th percentile, adjusting for maternal education and other factors. RESULTS: QACs were detected in over 99% of samples; C14-BAC was most prevalent. PCA revealed four components; PC1. represented the cumulative QACs burden. Higher PC1 scores were associated with increased odds of reduced birthweight (adjusted OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.02-1.58). Lower maternal education was also associated with decreased birthweight. Teachers had the highest PC1 scores, suggesting occupational exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal QACs exposure is widespread and may be linked to reduced birthweight. Occupational settings may contribute significantly to exposure, and disinfection practices should be reevaluated.