A study by Korean researchers has found an association between phthalate exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in school-aged children.
Phthalates are important components of many consumer products, including toys, cleaning materials, plastics, and personal care items.
The researchers measured urine phthalate concentrations and evaluated symptoms of ADHD using teacher-reported symptoms and computerized tests that measured attention and impulsivity. They found a significant positive association between phthalate exposure and ADHD, meaning that the higher the concentration of phthalate metabolites in the urine, the worse the ADHD symptoms and/or test scores.
Senior author Yun-Chul Hong explained that “these data represent the first documented association between phthalate exposure and ADHD symptoms in school-aged children.” John Krystal, the Editor of Biological Psychiatry, also commented: “This emerging link between phthalates and symptoms of ADHD raises the concern that accidental environmental exposure to phthalates may be contributing to behavioral and cognitive problems in children. This concern calls for more definitive research.”
The study findings do not prove that phthalate exposure caused ADHD symptoms. However, these initial findings provide a rationale for further research on the association between phthalate exposure and ADHD.
References:
1. Yun-Chul Hong, et al. Phthalates Exposure and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in School-Age Children. Biological Psychiatry, Volume 66, Issue 10, November 15, 2009.
