There is a significant positive association between phthalate exposure and ADHD — attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, revealed by researchers.
The new study is reported by Korean scientists, published by Elsevier in the Biological Psychiatry.
Phthalates are important components of many consumer products, including toys, cleaning materials, plastics, and personal care items.
Studies to date on phthalates have been inconsistent, with some linking exposure to these chemicals to hormone disruptions, birth defects, asthma, and reproductive problems, while others have found no significant association between exposure and adverse effects.
Researchers measured urine phthalate concentrations and evaluated symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using teacher-reported symptoms and computerized tests that measured attention and impulsivity.
They found a significant positive association between phthalate exposure and ADHD, meaning that the higher the concentration of phthalate metabolites in the urine, the worse th…
Read more Plastics chemicals – phthalates linked to ADHD symptoms