Link between prenatal phthalate exposure to reduced childhood lung function

A recent study has found that exposure to phthalates in the womb is associated with reduced lung function during childhood. The findings of the study, published in Environmental Pollution , support the European Union's current restrictions on the use of these substances.

Phthalates are chemical compounds that are widely used as plasticizers, as well as in lacquers and varnishes. They are found in a wide variety of consumer products, ranging from toys to food packaging, clothing, detergents, cosmetics, solvents, etc. Over time, phthalates in these products leach into the surrounding environment-for example, into the air, dust and food-making them virtually ubiquitous. Moreover, human exposure to phthalates starts as early as in utero, given that these compounds are able to cross the placental barrier. Phthalates act as endocrine disruptors and have been associated with numerous developmental and reproductive health problems.

The study included 641 mother-child pairs from the INMA Project birth cohorts in Sabadell and Gipuzkoa. Gestational phthalate exposure was analyzed using urine samples collected from the mothers during pregnancy. The children's lung function was assessed by spirometry at various stages of development between the ages of four and eleven years.

"The use of some phthalates is already banned in certain consumer products in the European Union. Although the associations observed in our study are relatively small in magnitude, the ubiquity of these substances and their known effects as endocrine disruptors in children lead us to suggest that these regulations should be extended to additional phthalates and to those countries that do not yet apply these restrictions," concluded I Global researcher Maribel Casas, senior co-author of the study.

Reference:

Magda Bosch de Basea et al,Environmental Pollution, DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119833