Prenatal DEHP exposure and neurodevelopmental risks

Research published in the journal Med has identified an association between prenatal exposure to DEHP—a plasticizer used to increase the flexibility of materials like PVC—and an increased presence of symptoms related to autism and ADHD in early childhood.

Utilizing data from the Barwon Infant Study in Australia, researchers analyzed maternal urine samples at approximately 36 weeks of gestation to estimate exposure through specific metabolites. Subsequent analysis of umbilical cord blood identified changes in DNA methylation, a mechanism that regulates gene activity.

The study identified a group of 531 genes where methylation patterns appeared linked to both DEHP exposure and behavioral symptoms evaluated when children were 2 and 4 years old. DEHP is commonly found in vinyl flooring, flexible hoses, certain medical tubing, shower curtains, and some food packaging. While the study suggests a strong correlation between DEHP exposure, epigenetic shifts, and neurodevelopmental symptoms, researchers noted that the observational nature of the study means a definitive causal relationship has not yet been proven.