Common plastic additives may be linked to autism and ADHD
The causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are wide-ranging. A new study of children with ASD or ADHD has linked the common plastic additive
Bisphenol-A and phthalate metabolism in children with neurodevelopmental disorders | PLOS ONE
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0289841
Common Plastic Additive Linked to Autism And ADHD, Scientists Discover : ScienceAlert
BPA is a substance classified as a ' plasticizer ' that is used in many plastics and plastic manufacturing processes, and is also included in food and drink bottles. Existing research has linked BPA to health problems that involve hormonal disruption, such as breast cancer and infertility.
When researchers at Rowan University conducted urine tests on 66 children with ASD, 46 children with ADHD, and 37 healthy children, they found that children with ASD and ADHD were more likely to be exposed to BPA and phthalates . It turns out that they are not able to excrete a similar compound called ethylhexyl (DEHP) as efficiently as other children, leaving them exposed to its toxic effects for longer.
DEHP, like BPA, is also a substance used in plastics, including food containers. In this study, it was confirmed that the detoxification efficiency of DEHP and BPA was decreased in both ASD and ADHD patients, but only BPA showed a statistically significant difference.
Peter Stein, who was involved in the study, said: ``We found that children with ASD and ADHD have reduced detoxification of these two plasticizers. You will be exposed to it for a long time.'
There is insufficient data to show how ASD and ADHD develop, for example, whether they develop due to exposure to substances in the womb before birth or whether they are linked to diet after birth. Precise identification work continues.
Stein pointed out, ``While it is unclear how important the likelihood of onset from plasticizers is in the overall development of the disorder, it should still account for a significant proportion.''
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