Prenatal and Prepubertal Exposures to Organochlorine Compounds and Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Pubertal Development at Age 12: The PELAGIE Cohort Study

October 2025 in “ Environment International ”

Lola Menant, Florence Rouget, Hélène Tillaut, Charline Warembourg, Elke Rouxel, Fabrice Lainé, Éric Gaudreau, Sylvaine Cordier, Ronan Garlantézec, Christine Monfort, Cécile Chevrier

organochlorine compounds perfluoroalkyl substances PFUdA PFHxS HCB PCBs p,p'-DDE pubertal development breast development gonadal development menarche OCs PFASs

Studysummary This study reports that prenatal and prepubertal exposure to organochlorine compounds and perfluoroalkyl substances may affect pubertal development at age 12, with observed changes in development patterns in both girls and boys, highlighting the need for further research. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study from the PELAGIE cohort investigates the impact of prenatal and prepubertal exposure to organochlorine compounds (OCs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on pubertal development in 502 children (250 girls, 252 boys) at age 12. Results indicate that prenatal exposure to PFUdA in girls is linked to delayed breast development, while prenatal PFHxS exposure in boys is associated with a reduced risk of earlier gonadal development. Prepubertal exposure to HCB, PCBs, and PFASs in girls is linked to delayed breast development and later menarche, whereas in boys, prepubertal p,p'-DDE is linked to earlier puberty. The study concludes that these exposures may alter pubertal development, highlighting the need for further research.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

Associations Of Prenatal And Postnatal Exposure To Perfluoroalkyl Substances With Pubertal Development And Reproductive Hormones In Females And Males: The Home Study

research Associations Of Prenatal And Postnatal Exposure To Perfluoroalkyl Substances With Pubertal Development And Reproductive Hormones In Females And Males: The Home Study

5 citations , May 2023 in “Science of the total environment”

This study observed that higher PFAS concentrations during adolescence were linked to later pubertal development and lower estradiol levels in females, but not in males, potentially due to PFAS excretion with menstrual fluid.

research Environmental Factors and Puberty Timing: Expert Panel Research Needs

284 citations , February 2008 in “Pediatrics”

This review discusses the potential impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and body size on pubertal onset and progression, highlighting critical gaps and priorities for future research without presenting new clinical results.