A 2023 study has found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have a reduced ability to eliminate certain toxic chemicals found in plastics, potentially leading to higher exposure and health risks.
Researchers from Rowan University and Rutgers University in the United States examined how children clear out bisphenol A (BPA) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)—two common chemicals used in plastic products and food packaging. These compounds are known for their potential to disrupt hormones and have been linked to conditions like breast cancer and infertility.
The study involved 149 children, including 66 with autism, 46 with ADHD, and 37 neurotypical children. Researchers focused on a process called glucuronidation, which helps the body remove toxins through urine.
Findings showed that children with ASD and ADHD were less efficient at clearing BPA from their bodies compared to their neurotypical peers. On average, BPA elimination was 11% lower in children with autism and 17% lower in those with ADHD. This means the chemicals may remain in their systems longer, increasing the potential for harmful effects.
“Detoxification of these two plasticizers is compromised in children with ASD and ADHD,” the researchers wrote in the journal PLOS ONE. “Consequently, their tissues are more exposed to these two plasticizers.”
While the difference in DEHP processing was not statistically significant, the researchers suggest that genetic differences could affect how well children metabolize and remove these chemicals. Longer retention of BPA, in particular, may interfere with brain development and function.
The study supports the theory that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. However, not all children with ASD or ADHD showed impaired BPA processing, indicating other variables are also involved.
Researchers caution that the study does not prove BPA exposure causes autism or ADHD. More research is needed to understand when and how these disorders develop—whether during pregnancy or later in life.
“There is an extensive body of epidemiological evidence linking neurodevelopmental disorders to environmental pollutants such as plasticizers,” the authors wrote. “While the exact impact is still unclear, the findings suggest a meaningful connection worth further investigation.”
The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE.
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