Bisphenol A exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders and problems in children under 12 years of age: A systematic
Jianghui Zhang1, Minglu Yuan1, Ying Liu2
1Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Insights
Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This risk is higher in boys for conditions like intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is a growing concern for child neurodevelopment.
- Existing evidence on BPA and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDPs) in children under 12 is inconsistent.
- A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis is needed to clarify the association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDPs) in children.
- To investigate potential gender differences in the association between BPA exposure and NDPs.
- To provide robust evidence on BPA's impact on children's brain health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of 8 databases up to October 11, 2024.
- Inclusion of epidemiological, observational studies in children under 12 years old.
- Meta-analysis using multilevel random effects models, with meta-regression and bias analyses.
Main Results:
- 32 studies involving 15,669 participants were included.
- BPA exposure associated with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and communication disorders in all children.
- Gender differences observed: BPA linked to intellectual disability, ASD, ADHD, and motor disorders in boys; intellectual disability and ADHD in girls.
Conclusions:
- BPA exposure is associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
- Boys appear to be particularly vulnerable to the neurodevelopmental effects of BPA.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering BPA as a risk factor for pediatric brain health.
Background:
Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and problems (NDPs) in children under 12 years old. In recent years, the number of relevant studies has increased, but the evidence is inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between BPA exposure and NDPs and potential gender differences.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted in eight bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research articles published from database inception to October 11, 2024. Eligible studies were epidemiological, observational studies in children under 12 years old, which evaluated the associations between BPA of biosamples and NDPs. The converted effect sizes were synthesized using multilevel random effects meta-analysis models. Meta-regression analysis, sensitivity analysis, unmeasured confounding bias, and publication bias tests were examined to substantiate the results.
Results:
The search identified 1090 unique studies, 32 of which involving 15,669 participants were finally included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that BPA exposure was associated with intellectual disability (Cohen's d = 0.14, 95 %CI = 0.06-0.22), autism spectrum disorder (ASD, Cohen's d = 0.10, 95 %CI = 0.02-0.17), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, Cohen's d = 0.28, 95 %CI = 0.10-0.47), and communication disorders (Cohen's d = 0.12, 95 %CI = 0.01-0.23) in all children. Gender differences exist while BPA was associated with intellectual disability, ASD, ADHD, and motor disorders in boys, and with intellectual disability and ADHD in girls.
Conclusion:
This study indicated that BPA exposure was associated with an increased risk of NDPs in children, particularly in boys, underscoring the importance of considering BPA exposure as a potential risk factor for children's brain health.
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