Chemistry

Ecology

Toxicity

Epigenetics

Epigenomics

Environmental health

Methylation

Pollutant

Epigenome

Organic chemistry

Biology

Gene

Environmental chemistry

Gene expression

Tobacco smoke

Toxicant

DNA methylation

Genetics

Medicine

Annual Review of Public Health

DNA methylation is the most well studied of the epigenetic regulators in relation to environmental exposures. To date, numerous studies have detailed the manner by which DNA methylation is influenced by the environment, resulting in altered global and gene-specific DNA methylation. These studies have focused on prenatal, early-life, and adult exposure scenarios. The present review summarizes currently available literature that demonstrates a relationship between DNA methylation and environmental exposures. It includes studies on aflatoxin B1, air pollution, arsenic, bisphenol A, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants, tobacco smoke, and nutritional factors. It also addresses gaps in the literature and future directions for research. These gaps include studies of mixtures, sexual dimorphisms with respect to environmentally associated methylation changes, tissue specificity, and temporal stability of the methylation marks.

Environmental Influences on the Epigenome: Exposure- Associated DNA Methylation in Human Populations