Phthalate Chemicals Found in Plastics Linked to ADHD Symptoms in Children

Exposure to phthalate chemicals found in plastics, perfumes and other consumer products may be linked to ADHD symptoms in children.

Exposure to phthalate chemicals may be linked to the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in school-aged children according to a study published in Environmental Health News.

Researchers found that children who were identified as having ADHD symptoms were more likely to have higher levels of phthalate chemical markers in their urine than those who do not have ADHD symptoms. It's unclear exactly when and how phthalate exposure could lead to the development of ADHD.

Phthalate chemicals are used to create the softer, more flexible plastics used in many consumer products, and may be found in perfumes and other personal care products, medications, food packaging, medical devices and vinyls.

This is the first human study to find a link between ADHD and exposure to phthalates.

Read more about the study at Environmental Health News