Exposure to Chemicals Plastic Can Disturb the Brain Child

Widely used plastic materials such as for wrapping or toys. But it should reduce its use, due to exposure to plastic chemicals can interfere with the brains of children.

New research conducted at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University reinforce concerns over the potential health effects of chemicals known as phthalates on children.

Phthalates or phthalate esters are chemicals that are added to the plastic material to increase flexibility, transparency and durability.

Clinically, phthalates known to disrupt the endocrine system and is widely used in a wide variety of products ranging from plastic toys, household building materials, to shampoos, as quoted from medicalxpress.com, Wednesday (06/09/2011).

This study is the first time examined the relationship between pregnancies with exposure to phthalates and the tendency of mental problems, motor and behavior in preschoolers.

Overall, the researchers found that exposure to two types of phthalates significantly increases the likelihood of delay in motor development as well as the potential problem of fine and gross motor coordination of children in the future.

For women, phthalates risk is significantly lower mental development. Exposure to phthalates from pregnancy-related problem behaviors, including reactive emotional behavior, anxiety, depression and withdrawal.

"Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to phthalates during adverse mental condition of the child, interfering with motor development and behavior for years," said Dr. Whyatt, clinical professor of Environmental Health Sciences.

Dr. Whyatt said that phthalates disrupt the endocrine system affecting hormone in the body. These substances also reduce the production of testosterone, which plays an important role in brain development.

The results of a study published online in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives are increasingly raising concerns about the risk of phthalate exposure during pregnancy.

The study involved 319 children born of women non-smokers during 1999 to 2006. Researchers led by Robin M. Whyatt, DrPH, deputy director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health.

Metabolic measurements of four kinds of phthalates conducted using samples of maternal urine as a marker of prenatal exposure. The four phthalates were: in-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate and butylbenzyl phthalate.