Researchers at Rowan University in the United States report a link between autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with exposure to plastic components. The study, summarized in the journal PLOS One, highlights how two widely used plastic additives may be connected to these childhood brain disorders.
ASD and ADHD typically appear in early childhood, and their prevalence has risen in recent years. While the exact causes remain unknown, scientists propose that a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors interacts to influence risk. A fresh hypothesis emerging from this work suggests that how the body processes plasticizers could contribute to these conditions.
Plasticizers are additives used to impart flexibility and other physical properties to plastics. The study focused on two common substances in this group: bisphenol A (BPA) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP).
When these chemicals enter the body, they are usually eliminated in urine after undergoing a liver process called glucuronidation. The researchers discuss how this same detoxification pathway might be involved in the development or progression of neurological issues in children.
In the investigation, urine samples were collected from 66 children diagnosed with ASD, 46 children diagnosed with ADHD, and 37 healthy controls. The results showed notably lower glucuronidation activity for BPA and DEHP in the ASD and ADHD groups compared with the healthy group. The authors interpret these findings as evidence that ASD and ADHD could share overlapping pathways in early brain development.
Earlier investigations at the same institution explored autism detection through word recognition tests in noisy listening conditions, offering complementary insights into how language processing relates to developmental disorders.