Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastic products and personal care items were associated with poorer child cardiometabolic, respiratory, and neurodevelopmental health.

Endocrine disruptors and child health

EDCs are synthetic chemicals that affect hormone regulation, particularly when children are exposed to them at an early age. Phenols and phthalates stand out among EDCs as they are ubiquitous in our environment.

Researchers at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), an ATHLETE partner, studied chemical exposure and health of over 370 pre-school children. They measured levels of parabens, phenols, and phthalates several times during pregnancy and infancy. At three years old, a health score for the children was also calculated to determine their overall health, covering cardiometabolic, respiratory, and neurodevelopmental health.

The study, published in Environmental Research, found that higher concentrations of parabens and phthalates mixtures lower the overall health score. By studying the combined impacts of multiple EDCs on children’s health, the findings more accurately reflect real-life exposures.

Restricting and regulating EDCs

This study adds to existing evidence that early-life exposure to parabens and phthalates may impact children’s health in multiple areas – emphasising the need for public health policies targeting these substances.

“Our findings suggest that parabens and phthalates may affect multiple aspects of child health at the same time. Reducing exposure to these chemicals can help protect children,” says Ines Amine, ATHLETE researcher and first author of the study, “Policies should target sources of exposure, such as limiting parabens in personal care products.”

“Our research supports a shift toward regulating entire chemical families, such as parabens and phthalates, rather than individual compounds,” she adds.

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