A study published in the journal NeuroToxicology found that “everywhere plastics” inhibit boys’ development.
Everywhere plastics are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are found in oils, soaps, hairspray, shampoos, and other household items.
Researchers studied the urine of women between 11 and 18 weeks pregnant and then analyzed the babies’ development for two years.
Boys exposed to greater levels of phthalate byproducts (DEHP), chemicals making plastic durable, and inhibiting hormones in a boy’s development, showed less personal and social development.
The boys also showed greater anxiety and depression with greater levels of DEHP.
“No differences were found in the development and behavior problems between high and low DEHP maternal exposure level in girls,” the study noted.
The study concluded that “prenatal exposure to phthalates might play a role in the development of emotional and behavioral problems in boys later in life.”
Reporting from The National Pulse:
“Our findings…underscore the potential impact of maternal exposure to phthalates on children’s emotional and behavioral development, particularly among boys,” added the study’s leading author, Liron Cohen-Eliraz.
