Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds are endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Perinatal dioxin exposure, infant growth and BMI was assessed in 3 European birth cohorts.
Exposure appeared associated with increased infant growth between 0 and 24 months, although not statistically significant.
Sex-specific effects of dioxins on BMI were apparent at 7 years.
Exposure was associated with increased BMI and risk of overweight in girls only.