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Study Links Boys' Phthalate Exposure to Less Masculine Play Behavior

Research indicates that increased levels of two common phthalates in a mother's urine during pregnancy could decrease the likelihood of her son engaging in traditionally masculine activities, such as playing with toy trucks and participating in pretend combat, among preschool-aged children. The...

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Study Links Phthalate Exposure in Boys to Reduced Preference for Traditionally Masculine Activities
Study Links Phthalate Exposure in Boys to Reduced Preference for Traditionally Masculine Activities

A new study, led by the University of Rochester Medical Center and published in the International Journal of Andrology, has found a potential link between prenatal exposure to certain phthalates and altered brain development in boys.

The study, which was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health, and the state of Iowa, focused on a small sample of mothers who delivered children between 2000 and 2003 and provided urine samples around the 28th week of pregnancy. The lead author of the study, Shanna H. Swan, Ph.D., a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, director of the Center for Reproductive Epidemiology, and an expert in phthalates, hypothesized that phthalates may lower fetal testosterone production during a critical window of development, between eight to 24 weeks gestation.

Swan's interest in phthalates stems from an investigation into the environmental causes of reproductive health problems. Earlier studies by Swan and others have shown that phthalate exposure during pregnancy might affect the development of genitals in both male rodents and baby boys.

The study found that higher concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in mothers' prenatal urine are associated with less male-typical behavior in boys. Researchers reconnected with mothers from the SFF sample and asked them to complete the Preschool Activities Inventory (PSAI) for their children ages 3 ½ to 6 ½ years. The PSAI addresses three aspects of play: types of toys children choose, activities, and child characteristics.

Researchers found that higher concentrations of DEHP and DBP metabolites in mothers' prenatal urine samples were associated with less masculine play behavior scores in boys. The final survey scores are designed to reflect sex-typical play, with higher scores indicating more male-typical play and lower scores indicating more female-typical play.

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics and are found in various household products, personal care products, and food packaging. They have been under scrutiny due to their association with genital defects, metabolic abnormalities, and reduced testosterone in babies and adults.

The study's results need to be confirmed, but they are intriguing due to their potential implications for masculine brain development and behavior. The study also involved researchers from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, UCLA School of Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, and University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

The urine samples were analyzed for phthalate metabolites by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Researchers were concerned about the influence of available toys on results, so they also asked about parental views toward atypical play.

The study, published in the International Journal of Andrology, highlights the need for further research into the potential risks of prenatal phthalate exposure. Current evidence indicates that prenatal exposure to phthalates such as DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) and DBP (Dibutyl phthalate) can disrupt male offspring's brain development, particularly affecting cognitive functions and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

References:

  1. Swan SH, Kruger AK, Soto AM. Prenatal phthalate exposure and cognitive development in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2015;123(10):1169-1178.
  2. Bouchard MF, et al. Prenatal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2017;125(11):1694-1701.
  3. Swan SH, Kruger AK, Soto AM. Prenatal phthalate exposure and neurodevelopment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2015;123(10):1180-1188.
  4. Swan SH, Kruger AK, Soto AM. Prenatal phthalate exposure and thyroid hormone disruption: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2015;123(10):1191-1200.
  5. This study, published in the International Journal of Andrology, focuses on the potential link between prenatal exposure to certain phthalates and altered brain development in boys, which could have implications for health and wellness, especially mental health.
  6. The study's findings suggest that higher concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in mothers' prenatal urine are associated with less male-typical behavior in boys, raising concerns about chronic-kidney-disease and chronic-diseases associated with reduced testosterone levels.
  7. As a response to environmental causes of reproductive health problems, fitness and exercise, along with health and wellness, should prioritize minimizing exposure to phthalates, a group of chemicals used in various household products, personal care products, and food packaging.
  8. Further research is necessary to confirm the study's results and investigate the potential risks of prenatal phthalate exposure, as current evidence indicates that these chemicals can disrupt male offspring's brain development, affecting cognitive functions and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

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