Child chemical mixtures and ADHD scores
A childhood phthalate mixture, weighted toward DEHP metabolites, tracked higher ADHD scores, mainly in autistic children.
Source
Early childhood exposure to environmental phenols and parabens, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides, and trace elements in association with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in the CHARGE study
What they did
Measured 62 urinary chemicals in 2- to 5-year-olds from CHARGE (ASD, developmental delay, or typical development) and linked mixtures to Aberrant Behavior Checklist ADHD scores with WQS regression.
What they found
Phthalate mixtures associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity; signals were strongest in children with autism; 43 chemicals with >70% detection entered models.
The limits
What it doesn't show
Cross-sectional design cannot rule out reverse causation from autism-related diets and product use.
Key terms
- WQS regression
- Weighted quantile sum models of chemical mixtures.
- DEHP
- Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate plasticizer.
- CHARGE
- Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment study.
- ABC
- Aberrant Behavior Checklist ADHD symptom scores.
- SG correction
- Specific-gravity adjustment for urine dilution.
- Mixture
- Combined exposure to many chemicals at once.
Flashcards
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CHARGE ages:
Common questions
Age?
2 to 5 years.
Chemicals measured?
62 analytes; 43 in models.
ASD n?
225.
Male share?
80.1%.
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