Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development
Published on: May 17, 2024
Pet Flea and Tick Control Exposure During Pregnancy and Early Life Associated with Decreased Cognitive and Adaptive
Amanda J Goodrich1, Daniel J Tancredi2, Yunin J Ludeña1,3
1Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Insights
Exposure to certain pet insecticides during early childhood may be linked to lower cognitive and adaptive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Further research is needed to explore these potential neurodevelopmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cognitive and behavioral challenges affect approximately 18% of U.S. children.
- Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Understanding modifiable environmental risk factors is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between household insecticide exposure and neurodevelopmental changes in children.
- To examine specific insecticide types (indoor, outdoor, pet) and their impact on cognitive and adaptive functioning.
- To compare associations across diagnostic groups: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay (DD), and typical development (TD).
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the CHARGE study, including children aged 24-60 months.
- Assessed insecticide exposure from pre-conception to age two.
- Employed linear regression to analyze cognitive and adaptive scores (Mullen Scales, Vineland Scales), adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- Flea/tick soaps, shampoos, and powders in year two were significantly associated with lower cognitive/adaptive scores in children with ASD.
- Early pregnancy flea/tick skin treatments showed a non-significant association with reduced scores in the DD group.
- No significant associations were found between insecticide exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in typically developing children.
Conclusions:
- Early-life exposure to specific non-agricultural insecticides, particularly those for pet flea/tick treatment, may be a modifiable risk factor for neurodevelopmental challenges in susceptible children.
- Findings highlight the need for further investigation into the neurotoxic potential of household insecticides.
- Public health recommendations regarding insecticide use during pregnancy and early childhood may need re-evaluation.
Abstract:
Approximately 18% of U.S. children experience cognitive and behavioral challenges, with both genetic and environmental contributors. We examined if household insecticides, particularly those used in and around the home and on pets, are associated with neurodevelopmental changes. Data were from children aged 24-60 months in the CHARGE study with the following classifications: autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 810), developmental delay (DD, n = 192), and typical development (TD, n = 531). Exposure to indoor, outdoor, and pet insecticides was reported for the period from three months pre-conception to the second birthday. Cognitive and adaptive functioning were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations by diagnostic group, adjusting for confounders. Flea/tick soaps, shampoos, and powders used during year two were significantly associated with lower cognitive and adaptive scores in children with ASD after FDR correction. Flea/tick skin treatments in early pregnancy were associated with reduced scores in the DD group, though not significant after correction, especially when used with high frequency. No associations were observed in TD children. These findings underscore the need to examine early-life exposure to non-agricultural insecticides as modifiable risk factors for neurodevelopment.
More Related Videos
07:13Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C
Published on: March 25, 2016
19:57The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Published on: August 5, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:07Teratogenicity