A groundbreaking new study has revealed that exposure to phthalates during pregnancy could disrupt a baby’s metabolism and brain development before birth. Researchers from Emory University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Columbia University conducted the study, published in Nature Communications.
What Are Phthalates?
Phthalates are chemical compounds widely used as plasticizers in everyday products like shampoos, soaps, detergents, toys, and food containers. Past research has linked them to hormone disruption and a range of health issues in both mothers and children.
Key Findings
This new research is the first to offer direct evidence that prenatal exposure to phthalates can change a newborn’s metabolic profile—raising fresh concerns about their effects on early brain development.
- Metabolic Disruption: Phthalate levels in pregnant women’s blood were linked to lower levels of essential neurotransmitter precursors in newborns. These substances—related to tyrosine and tryptophan metabolism—are vital for brain development.
- Impact on Brain Function: Higher prenatal phthalate exposure was associated with biological markers tied to lower attention and arousal levels in infants.
- Long-Term Effects: The study suggests that phthalates can cross the placenta, reach the fetus, and potentially cause lasting changes in the baby’s metabolism and neurodevelopment.
What Experts Are Saying
“This study is the first to show that maternal phthalate exposure can directly impact a baby’s metabolome and, in turn, their early brain development,” said Dr. Susan Hoffman, lead author and recent PhD graduate from Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health.
“Many people believe the placenta protects babies from harmful substances. Our findings challenge that belief and show that phthalates can indeed pass through and cause biological disruptions before birth.”
“These exposures affect not just the mother’s metabolism, but also the baby’s,” added Dr. Donghai Liang, senior author and associate professor of environmental health at Emory. “We even found signs that the disruptions linger in the newborn after birth, potentially impacting early neurodevelopment.”
This study adds to growing concerns about the hidden risks of common household chemicals. With phthalates present in so many everyday items, experts are urging pregnant women to be more mindful of their exposure.