
Phthalates are substances frequently used in the production of plastics, and recent studies have linked their presence to developmental problems in young boys who received exposure to the chemical while they were still in the womb.
This new study, which was just published in the journal NeuroToxicology and is evaluated by experts in the field, gives insight into the possible repercussions of prenatal exposure to phthalates on the development of toddlers who are 24 months old. Previous studies have focused on school-aged children.
Specifically, the study discovered a correlation between higher concentrations of metabolites of the phthalate referred to as DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) in the urine of pregnant women and worse results on emotional and social developmental evaluations in their sons. Notably, there was no association found between the female offspring of moms whose urine had greater amounts of DEHP and the offspring’s gender.
Lead author Liron Cohen-Eliraz stated, “Our findings…underscore the potential impact of maternal exposure to phthalates on children’s emotional and behavioral development, particularly among boys. Our study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the need for greater environmental awareness, and action to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals during pregnancy.”
More About Phthalates
- These chemicals, sometimes also known as “everywhere plastic”, are put to use in a wide variety of products, including vinyl flooring, lubricating fluids, detergent, shampoo, and many more.
- Toys and other goods for children’s use that contain phthalates are primarily prohibited from being imported into or sold inside the U.S. (Each state has its own regulations)
- Phthalates can penetrate the placenta and alter endocrine function.
- When they are ingested by the fetus, they have the potential to either imitate or inhibit female hormones.
- In the case of males, they have the potential to suppress hormones that are involved in the development of male sexuality.
Over the course of many years, the researchers tracked down 600 pregnant women in Israel and asked each of them to provide a spot pee specimen between weeks 11 and 18 of their pregnancies. It was determined whether or not the individual had phthalate metabolites in their urine, particularly DEHP, DiNP, and MBzBP.
The researchers were able to successfully follow up with 158 of the mothers in order to evaluate their children around the time they turned 2 years old. In order to acquire data regarding the children’s emotional and behavioral development, they relied on tried-and-tested ways of reporting from the mothers, such as the Child Behavior Checklist.
Boys who were exposed to greater levels of DEHP during pregnancy were more likely to display emotional reactivity, anxiety, or depression. They were socially distant and also suffered from somatic issues.
According to Prof. Ronit Calderon-Margalit – the director of the Braun School of Public Health – the finding of gender disparities is intriguing. While most research has revealed issues with males, one study found issues with girls who were exposed to phthalates while still in the womb. This must be seen in the broader perspective of the incomplete understanding of the impact of endocrine-disrupting substances on developing fetuses.