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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants

Published on: March 6, 2018

Prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with childhood behavior and executive functioning

Stephanie M Engel1, Amir Miodovnik, Richard L Canfield

  • 1Department of Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA. stephanie.engel@mssm.edu

Environmental Health Perspectives
|January 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to low molecular weight (LMW) phthalates is linked to increased behavioral issues and executive function deficits in children. These findings highlight potential neurodevelopmental impacts of environmental chemical exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neurodevelopmental Toxicology
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Emerging evidence suggests phthalate exposure can impact neurodevelopment.
  • Understanding these effects is crucial for public health and child development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal phthalate exposure and child behavior and executive functioning.
  • Focus on children aged 4-9 years.

Main Methods:

  • The Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Study enrolled 404 pregnant women in NYC.
  • Maternal urine samples from the third trimester were analyzed for phthalate metabolites.
  • Children (n=188) underwent cognitive and behavioral assessments between ages 4 and 9.

Main Results:

  • Higher concentrations of low molecular weight (LMW) phthalate metabolites correlated with increased aggression, conduct problems, attention problems, and depression.
  • Adverse associations were also observed for externalizing problems and behavioral symptom index.
  • Poorer executive functioning, including global executive composite index and emotional control, was linked to LMW phthalate exposure.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal exposure to LMW phthalates is associated with behavioral problems and executive dysfunction in children.
  • These findings align with behavioral issues seen in children diagnosed with conduct or attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.
Abstract

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