A component in plastic affects fetal brain development

Common chemicals used in plastics and personal care products

A recent study has shown that phthalates are linked to lower levels of key chemicals in the fetal brain, such as serotonin. The findings urge women to reduce their exposure to plastics and some personal care products.

The study, conducted at Emory University in Atlanta, reported that common chemicals used in plastics and personal care products may affect fetal brain development.

Harm to the fetal brain

According to HealthDay, phthalates are found in many everyday products, such as food containers, shampoo, toys, and vinyl flooring.

"We conducted this study because phthalates are ubiquitous in our daily lives," said lead researcher Donghai Liang, hence the nickname "ubiquitous chemicals."

The study involved 216 mother-child pairs in Atlanta.

The researchers tested the mothers' urine during pregnancy for phthalates and tested the babies' blood after birth.

Test Results

Tests revealed that children exposed to phthalates had lower levels of tyrosine and tryptophan, two amino acids that help produce key brain chemicals. These children also scored lower on attention and response tests.

The researchers found that fetuses exposed to phthalates in the womb had lower levels of important brain chemicals, including serotonin and dopamine.

These chemicals help control a child's mood, learning ability, and reflexes.