Phthalates: Premature exposure leads to lower IQ in children
updated the 14 July 2015 à 18:32The intellectual abilities of a child could well be formed from his/her conception. An American study demonstrates the impact of exposure in utero to phthalates, or chemical compounds, on IQ.
Phthalates are chemical compounds present in numerous products – food packaging, nail polish, hygiene or beauty products, shower curtains etc. Numerous researchers have already highlighted the dangers they pose to our health – they disrupt the functioning of some hormones (thyroid hormones or testosterone, among others) for instance. If the use of other endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A, is severely limited, still very few measures have been taken to remove the phthalates from our environment. Nevertheless, according to a study published in the magazine, PLOS One* on 10th December this year, the misdeeds of these substances could be even worse than first thought.
PHTALATES AFFECT THE IQ OF CHILDREN
These harmful compounds are forbidden for use during the manufacturing process of toys since 2006. Psychological and motor development disorders have been observed in children who were subjected to the highest level of exposure. Further to these discoveries, the researchers at the University of Medicine in Columbia wanted to discover the consequences of exposure to these pollutants in utero. To do so, they collected urine samples from 328 women in the third quarter of their pregnancy (approximately the 34th week). They then waited seven years before administering standard IQ tests on the children. The extent of the damage surprised even the researchers – children whose mothers had the biggest concentration of phthalates in their urine scored 6-8 points lower than those whose mothers had been exposed the least. Professor Pam Factor-Litvak, epidemiologist and co-author of the study, did not expect such a difference: “We didn’t think that the difference would be so high”, she confided to the Time magazine.
HOW TO BEST PROTECT FUTURE BABIES?
While the scientists recognise that it is almost impossible to escape contact with phthalates, there are some good reflexes to adopt to limit exposure during pregnancy. Avoid putting plastic bowls in microwaves, do not use interior deodorisers, avoid buying food packaged in some stiff plastics with the mention of 3, 6 or 7 surrounded by an arrow, and purchase cosmetics that do not contain phthalates.
Maureen Diament
