More Pregnancy Concerns with Phthalates

Over the last fifteen years there has been an increased rate of children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. Furthermore, teachers are reporting that more and more children are causing disruptions during class. Does your child between 4 and 9 years old seem to have difficulty being good?

Then you may be interested in a recent study that has revealed a possible cause. Researchers and scientists from Mount Sinai, Cornell University and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated in a study that revealed a possible link between prenatal exposure to phthalates and behavior problems in children.

What are phthalates? They are manmade chemicals that are found in plastics, glues, personal care products, building materials, detergents, food products, pharmaceuticals…. do you see a pattern here? Phthalates are everywhere. They interfere with the body’s hormone and endocrine system, and can potentially cause behavioral issues with your child. This study found a pattern of associations between phthalates and child aggression, behavior problems and ADHD.

The government has put a limit on using certain phthalates in child and baby products. But this won’t stop pregnant women from exposure during day to day life. After all, these phthalates can be found in personal care products such as shampoos, nail polishes and lotions – all common household items that we use every day.

In this study, urine from 404 pregnant women was analyzed for phthalate metabolite levels. Follow-up interviews occurred when their children were between the ages of 4 and 9. These women were unaware of their phthalate levels during the study.

The women with the higher levels were consistently reporting more behavior problems with their children. The children of these women had characteristics that were similar to those diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder and ADHD.

This is an upsetting prospect for expectant mothers and their babies. This study shows that infants are exposed to phthalates even before birth, and continue to be exposed throughout their lives. And with this exposure, comes the potential for increased behavioral disorders.

How can you avoid unhealthy phthalates? Do not buy products with DBP and DEP, found in nail polish, perfume, deodorant, shampoo, hand lotion, hair gel and other personal care products.

Car products, some flooring and personal care products can contain BzBP. PVC plastics, which may also include medical products, contain DEHP and BIS. And finally, DMP is in plastics and insect repellant. So don’t just stop at reading food labels. It is important to look for possible phthalates in everything you bring in to the house. It will be worth it, for you and your baby!