New research published online on September 6, 2011 and also in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal sheds new light on how prenatal exposure to a group of chemicals, known as phthalates, may be responsible for causing serious problems for children later in the toddler years.
Study Examines Effects of Phthalates in Pregnancy
Research conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health looked at effects of these commonly found chemicals during the prenatal period and how these effects may result in a variety of problems several years down the road.
They study involved taking a urine sample from 319 women in their 3rd trimester. The samples were analyzed for the presence of 4 types of phthalates during pregnancy. Using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, researchers tested each of the children at 3 years of age. The test involved assessing each child's mental, behavioral and motor development.
Chemicals Found to be Harmful in Pregnancy
The results of the study showed that exposure to the phthalates during pregnancy indeed played a role in the 3 year old's development. Among the findings, researchers discovered that:
- higher exposure to two of the phthalates dramatically increased the likelihood of the child having motor delays (which may result in future problems with fine and gross motor skills.)
- one of the phthalates was associated with significant decreases in mental development in the 3 year old girls.
- prenatal exposures to three of the phthalates tested were also much more likely to increase behavior problems in the 3 year olds (including emotionally reactive behavior, anxiety/depression, somatic complaints and withdrawn behavior.)
Authors conclude that "certain prenatal phthalate exposures may decrease child mental and motor development and increase internalizing behaviors."
Phthalates Found in Common Products
One of the biggest problems inherent to this study is that this group of chemicals are not rare. In fact phthalates are found in everyday household products such as hair spray, shampoo, nail polish, adhesives, detergents, plastic toys, raincoats, wall coverings and food packaging. Phthalates are called plasticizers because they make plastics more flexible as well as their use as a solvent. Though phthalates are useful, previous research has shown they can also be hazardous.
Phthalates are known to interfere with the endocrine system. They have been shown to cause disruption in the male reproductive system, specially in reducing sperm count as well as testicular atrophy. Some research has even found links between phthalates and liver cancer.
Regulations on Toxic Chemicals like Phthalates
Though the CDC has so far insisted that the hazards of phthalates to humans are unproven, other organizations are not so convinced. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends more testing of the effects of phthalates on infants and is currently working to pass a new federal Kid-Safe Chemicals Act. This act would revise the country's toxic chemical law to assure that chemicals such as phthalates are safe for babies, children and other at-risk groups before they are approved for use.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
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