One Common Plastic Ingredient May Affect Children Before They're Born
Summary
Researchers in Australia studied over 800 children and found that exposure to a common plastic chemical called DEHP before birth may cause changes in DNA that are linked to symptoms of autism and ADHD in early childhood. These changes involve how certain genes are turned on or off and may affect brain areas related to attention and social behavior.Key Facts
- DEHP is a chemical added to plastics to make them softer and more flexible.
- Scientists studied 847 children as part of the Barwon Infant Study in Australia.
- They measured DEHP exposure during pregnancy and analyzed DNA changes in umbilical cord blood at birth.
- The study found DEHP exposure was linked to changes in DNA methylation, which can switch genes on or off.
- These DNA changes were connected to higher levels of autism- and ADHD-related symptoms by ages 2 and 4.
- The affected genes are involved in brain functions like attention, social skills, and emotional processing.
- Experts caution the study shows association but does not prove DEHP causes autism or ADHD.
- The research helps explain a possible biological way that prenatal exposure might influence brain development.
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