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Phthalate exposure and children's health

Joseph M Braun1, Sheela Sathyanarayana, Russ Hauser

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA. joseph_braun_1@brown.edu

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|February 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Early life exposure to certain phthalates, like DEHP and BBzP, may increase risks for pediatric allergic diseases. Prenatal and childhood phthalate exposure is also linked to developmental and behavioral changes in children.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Epidemiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Phthalates are widely used industrial chemicals found in numerous consumer products.
  • Exposure to phthalates can occur during fetal development and childhood.
  • Concerns exist regarding the potential health impacts of phthalate exposure on children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review epidemiological studies on the association between early life phthalate exposure and pediatric health outcomes.
  • To synthesize current evidence on the relationship between phthalate exposure and allergic diseases, developmental changes, and behavioral issues in children.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of epidemiological literature.
  • Analysis of studies examining phthalate exposure in relation to asthma, eczema, physical development, and child behavior.
  • Inclusion of data from Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Main Results:

  • Childhood exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP) is associated with an increased risk of asthma and eczema.
  • Gestational exposure to BBzP, DEHP, di-butyl phthalate (DBP), and di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) correlates with altered infant physical development and behavioral problems.
  • Some studies indicate a potential link between higher gestational phthalate exposure and shorter anogenital distance in male infants.

Conclusions:

  • Epidemiological evidence suggests that fetal and childhood exposure to certain phthalates may disrupt normal development.
  • Consistent findings link DEHP and BBzP exposure to an increased risk of allergic diseases.
  • While not yet evidence-based, reducing phthalate exposure may help protect developing fetuses and children from potential adverse effects.
Abstract

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