ADHD Causes: Phthalates

You are probably aware that chemicals and environmental pollutants are among the environmental causes of ADHD. The nervous system of young children has not yet reached a point where the developing brain can be protected from the toxins and chemicals in the environment. In other words, children are more sensitive to the effects of environmental pollutants than adults and should be protected from harmful chemicals as much as possible. These chemicals include those found in pesticides, cleaning agents, and cigarette smoke. Now it looks like the use of plastics should be reduced or avoided if you are to protect your child from ADHD. A new study from Korea shows that a chemical called phthalates is positively related to the presence of ADHD-like symptoms in school-aged children.

Phthalates are an important ingredient in plastic consumer products such as toys and food containers. Phthalates are also found in household cleaning materials and personal care products marketed to babies and children, such as shampoo, baby powder, and body wash. There are already several studies on the effects of phthalates on health, with some evidence that this chemical causes reproductive problems due to hormonal disruptions, birth defects, and asthma. Other studies, however, show no significant relationship between the two.

In a Korean study, researchers measured the amount of phthalate present in urine samples of school-aged children. At the same time, symptoms of inattention and impulsivity were evaluated through computer tests and teacher report scales. Upon comparing the data, the researchers discovered a statistically significant positive association between ADHD symptoms and phthalate exposure. The higher the amounts of phthalates present in urine, the more intense the ADHD symptoms and test scores were.

Although these findings do not necessarily mean that phthalates cause ADHD, this emerging relationship lends support to the theory that environmental chemicals affect the cognitive development and behavior of children. More studies need to be done to further explore the relationship, but do you really want to wait for more evidence before deciding to reduce phthalate consumption?

Avoiding phthalates can be very challenging because they are often not listed in the ingredients of personal care products. Under current FDA ruling, phthalates can be labeled as "fragrances" and other euphemisms, even though they can make as much as 20% of the finished product. When buying products, be on the lookout for the following acronyms, the chemical names of phthalates:

· DEP (diethyl phthalate) and DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) are often part of personal care products like perfume, hair gel, hand lotion, and shampoos

· DMP (dimethyl phthalate) is used in food containers and insect repellants

· BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is sometimes found in personal care products, but is more common in car products and flooring

When buying plastic bottles or containers, choose only those with the recycling codes 1, 2, or 5. Avoid plastic with recycling codes 3 and 7 as they contain the highest concentrations of phthalates.

Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is ADHD.