Common Phthalate Exposure Linked to ADHD

Phthalates are commonly added to plastics to increase their flexibility and transparency. The are common in the average household and can readily leach into food. Virtually all Americans are exposed to phthalates as demonstrated by their presence in urine samples. A new human study shows that ADHD in school-age children¹ is associated with the highest concentration or urinary metabolites of phthalates.

Phthalates have been in widespread use since the 1920s. They are fat soluble, meaning they can enter the brain as well as stored fat (wherein they interfere with fat burning genes.) They are used in food packaging, personal care products, detergents, children's toys, modeling clay, waxes, paints, building materials, and textiles. One high source of them is enteric coating on medications. Personal care products that may contain them include perfume, eye shadow, moisturizer, nail polish, liquid soap, and hair spray.

They interact with cholesterol-based hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone) and confuse function. Controversy over the safety rages on, while the FDA and EPA take an industry-friendly position and downplay the risks citing a lack of human evidence.

This new study provides clear human evidence that these compounds are brain irritants and have a direct impact on the risk for ADHD. Other fat soluble toxins like PCBs and food coloring have also been implicated in ADHD risk. While environmental chemicals are not the only risk for ADHD, they are a major factor that cannot be ignored. This is another example of the uselessness of the FDA and EPA to protect human health while protecting profits of industry that is causing harm.