A team of scientists has warned of a hidden danger lurking in our homes that threatens the brain health of fetuses.
Common chemicals known as phthalates are used in many everyday products such as food packaging, children's toys, and shampoos. They are also used to make plastics softer, lubricate surfaces, and in products like deodorants and perfumes. Over time, these chemicals accumulate in the environment, transferring to food and water, and then into the mother's bloodstream, where they can cross the placenta and affect the fetus.
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A new study conducted by Emory University warns about the impact of phthalates on fetal hormones and the activation of neurotransmitters in the brain.
In the study, researchers analyzed data from 216 mothers in early pregnancy and 145 mothers in late pregnancy, from the Atlanta Study of African American Mothers and Children. Urine samples were tested for phthalates, and blood samples were collected from the children after birth.
The results showed that higher levels of phthalates in the mother's urine before birth were linked to lower levels of tyrosine, an amino acid that affects the thyroid hormone, which plays a role in brain and bone growth. It was also associated with lower levels of tryptophan, an essential amino acid responsible for producing serotonin, which affects communication between nerve cells. Previous research has shown that lower serotonin levels are linked to mood problems, sleep issues, and learning and memory difficulties.
Attention tests revealed that children exposed to high levels of phthalates in the womb were less focused and slower in their reactions.
However, the researchers pointed out some limitations of the study, such as the lack of accurate information on the participants' diets or the type of delivery, which could affect fetal exposure to phthalates.
The study participants reported that 10% consumed alcohol during pregnancy, 15% used tobacco, and 40% used marijuana, which could have an additional impact on brain development in children.
Dr. Donghai Liang, a public health expert, said, "We conducted this study because phthalates are everywhere in our daily lives, which is why they're called 'chemicals everywhere,' highlighting the importance of understanding their impact on fetal brain development at the molecular level."
Daily Mail
