Study Links Phthalate Exposure to Reduced Masculine Play in Boys during Childhood
The University of Rochester Medical Center has published a groundbreaking study in the International Journal of Andrology, exploring the potential impact of prenatal exposure to phthalates on boys' play behavior. The research, led by Shanna H. Swan, Ph.D., a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and an expert in phthalates, has found no association between phthalate levels in mothers and girls' play behavior.
However, the study did reveal significant findings regarding boys' play behavior. Swan hypothesized that phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals commonly found in plastics and toys, may lower fetal testosterone production during a critical window of development, specifically between eight to 24 weeks gestation. The research suggests that phthalates can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal hormone signaling, particularly interfering with testosterone activity critical for male brain and behavior development.
The study focused on a small sample of mothers who delivered children between 2000 and 2003, providing urine samples around the 28th week of pregnancy. The two phthalates of most concern are di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Researchers found that higher concentrations of these phthalates in mothers' prenatal urine are linked to less male-typical behavior in boys.
The study also addressed potential skewing of results due to the choice of toys available in any given household. Researchers asked about parental views toward atypical play and found that higher concentrations of DEHP and DBP metabolites in mothers' prenatal urine samples were associated with less masculine play behavior scores in boys.
Co-authors from the University of Rochester Medical Center include Bernard Weiss, Ph.D., and Fan Liu, M.S., while collaborators from other institutions include Amy Sparks, Ph.D., Christina Wang, M.D., J. Bruce Redmon, M.D., Robin Kruse, Ph.D., and Melissa Hines, Ph.D.
The study reconnected with mothers from the SFF sample and asked them to complete the Preschool Activities Inventory (PSAI) for their children ages 3 1/2 to 6 1/2 years. The PSAI addresses three aspects of play: types of toys children choose, activities, and child characteristics.
The research underscores the need for a deeper examination of how these chemicals impact the brain, particularly in relation to neurodevelopmental sexual differentiation. If endocrine disrupters such as phthalates can impair genital development and hormone levels in the body, a more comprehensive understanding of their influence on the brain is warranted.
The study was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health, and the state of Iowa. Exposure to phthalates primarily occurs through food, with major sources being the processing, packaging, storage, or heating of food that use PVC-containing products.
In summary, the study provides valuable insights into the potential impact of prenatal phthalate exposure on boys' play behavior. While no direct association was found with girls' play behavior, the research emphasizes the role of phthalates as endocrine disruptors capable of influencing early neurobehavioral sexual differentiation pathways. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of phthalate exposure on children's development.
[1] Swan SH, Kruse RL, Hines M, et al. Prenatal phthalate exposure and anogenital distance in human males. Env Health Perspect. 2005;113(9):1206–1211.
[2] Swan SH, Kruse RL, Hines M, et al. Prenatal phthalate exposure and anogenital distance in human males. Env Health Perspect. 2005;113(9):1206–1211.
[3] Swan SH, Kruse RL, Hines M, et al. Prenatal phthalate exposure and anogenital distance in human males. Env Health Perspect. 2005;113(9):1206–1211.
- The University of Rochester Medical Center's research in the International Journal of Andrology delves into the potential influence of prenatal phthalate exposure on boys' play behavior.
- Swan, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found no association between phthalate levels in mothers and girls' play behavior but discovered significant findings regarding boys.
- Phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, might lower fetal testosterone production during a critical developmental period, between eight to 24 weeks gestation.
- The two main phthalates of concern are di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and higher concentrations in mothers' prenatal urine are linked to less male-typical behavior in boys.
- Researchers considered the potential skewing of results due to household toy choices and found higher concentrations of DEHP and DBP metabolites associated with less masculine play behavior scores in boys.
- The study was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health, and the state of Iowa, and it highlights the necessity of more research on how phthalates impact the brain, particularly neurodevelopmental sexual differentiation.
- Exposure to phthalates primarily occurs through food, with significant sources being the processing, packaging, storage, or heating of food that use PVC-containing products.
- Further studies are crucial to understand the long-term effects of phthalate exposure on children's development, as the research suggests an impact on boys' play behavior and early neurobehavioral sexual differentiation pathways.
