Plastic Chemical Linked to Autism, ADHD Traits

A significant study involving 800 Australian families has established a potential link between prenatal exposure to the plastic chemical DEHP and the development of autistic and ADHD traits in children. Researchers tracked families from pregnancy, analyzing maternal urine samples for DEHP levels and monitoring children's developmental symptoms. The study observed that infants whose mothers had higher DEHP exposure during pregnancy exhibited more neurodivergent traits.

Further investigation revealed a biological explanation: higher prenatal exposure to DEHP was associated with distinct changes in DNA methylation in umbilical cord blood. This epigenetic switch can influence gene expression, potentially activating genes linked to neurodivergent conditions. DEHP, a chemical used to make plastics flexible, is commonly found in household items like food containers and cling wrap, and often enters the body through ingestion.

Scientists emphasized that chemical exposure levels are often determined at a population level, underscoring the importance of government safety regulations in food processing and packaging. While some measures, like banning DEHP in toys, have been taken, researchers are calling for enhanced global plastic control efforts to protect vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and infants.