Phthalate Exposure During Pregnancy and Problems with Childhood Behavior and Mental Function

Phthalates are a family of chemicals which can be found in a wide range of manufactured products such as plastics, food packaging, medication, cosmetics, perfumes, toys, building materials and medical products made with polyvinyl chloride.  Exposure to phthalates have been linked to a number of hormonal, developmental and reproductive problems. Phthalate exposure during pregnancy is particularly worrisome since phthalates can cross the placenta and enter the developing child.

A New York City study measured levels of phthalates in the urine of 404 pregnant women.  Mental function and behavior studies were then conducted in the children of these women when they were age 4 to 9 years old. Children exposed to higher levels of phthalates during pregnancy (as measured by their Mom’s urine phthalate levels) were associated with significantly higher levels of aggression, conduct problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, children born to Mom’s with the highest exposures to phthalates had significantly poorer mental function and significantly higher rates of depression as compared to children born to Mom’s who were less exposed to phthalates.

Some people want to ban the use of phthalates in products like drinking glasses and baby bottles.

This research by Engel et al. is now in Press at Environmental Health Perspectives.