Mom's chemical exposure and kids' behavior
Maternal concentrations of phthalates and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD-) related symptoms in children aged 2 to 4 years from Odense child cohort.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Higher levels of a plastic-related chemical (MCPP) were linked to *lower* ADHD symptoms in young children, especially girls.
Phthalates are widely assumed to be harmful endocrine disruptors, so finding an inverse association — especially one stronger in girls — contradicts common expectations and some prior research.
Practical Takeaways
Pregnant women may consider reducing exposure to high-molecular-weight phthalates found in plastics and personal care products, especially if expecting a boy.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Higher levels of a plastic-related chemical (MCPP) were linked to *lower* ADHD symptoms in young children, especially girls.
Phthalates are widely assumed to be harmful endocrine disruptors, so finding an inverse association — especially one stronger in girls — contradicts common expectations and some prior research.
Practical Takeaways
Pregnant women may consider reducing exposure to high-molecular-weight phthalates found in plastics and personal care products, especially if expecting a boy.
Publication
Journal
Environment international
Year
2023
Authors
Sarah Munk Andreasen, H. Frederiksen, Niels Bilenberg, A. Andersson, Anders Juul, Henriette Boye, T. Kold Jensen
Related Content
Claims (5)
Kids who are exposed to certain harmful chemicals in the environment might be more likely to develop ADHD.
Boys and girls react differently to mom's exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy when it comes to early signs of ADHD. Girls seem to have fewer symptoms linked to some lighter chemicals, while boys show a slight increase in symptoms with heavier ones, though it's not strong.
If pregnant moms have more of a certain chemical called MCPP in their urine, their kids might have fewer ADHD-like behaviors by ages 2 to 4 — especially if the child is a girl.
If a mom is exposed to certain chemicals during pregnancy, her son might show slightly more ADHD-like behaviors by age 2 to 4, but the link isn’t strong enough to be sure — and it doesn’t seem to affect girls the same way.
Kids who are exposed to certain chemicals in the environment might become more hyperactive.