Studies have shown the negative impacts of exposure to “perpetually chemicals” or perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plastics, including the increased risk of developing allergies, asthma, liver disease and cancer. Researchers have now found that exposure to a different chemical incessantly seen in plastics, called phthalates, may cause developmental issues in toddler boys.

Phthalates or plasticizers are a bunch of chemicals used to enhance the resilience of plastics. Also they are used as solvents in manufacturing products corresponding to vinyl flooring, lubricating oils, detergents, diapers, soaps, shampoos and hair sprays.

People get exposed from direct contact with the surface containing the chemicals, by respiratory phthalate particles within the air or consuming food and drinks which can be in direct contact with the chemical.

In keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), phthalates affect the reproductive system in animals. Nevertheless, their impact on human health was not known.

In the newest study, published within the journal NeuroToxicology, researchers revealed that exposure to phthalates within the womb affects the emotional and behavioral development of young boys.

“Our findings underscore the potential impact of maternal exposure to phthalates on kid’s emotional and behavioral development, particularly amongst boys,” study lead writer Liron Cohen-Eliraz said.

For the study, researchers analyzed the urine samples of girls who were between 11 to 18 weeks of their pregnancies. The samples were tested for phthalate byproducts (DEHP, DiNP, and MBzBP). They later tested the developmental and behavioral progress of the participants’ offspring on the age of two.

Boys exposed to higher levels of DEHP chemicals through the first trimester had lower scores on personal and social development measures that indicate their abilities to interact and communicate with others. Their scores on emotional reactivity, anxiety and depression were also low.

Nevertheless, the tests didn’t show any difference in girls’ development.

“Our study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the necessity for greater environmental awareness, and motion to attenuate exposure to harmful chemicals while pregnant,” Cohen-Eliraz said.

Published by Medicaldaily.com