SINGAPORE: Exposure to chemicals found in everyday plastics during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of children developing autistic and ADHD traits, research has claimed.

A lengthy study conducted at Florey Institution of Neuroscience and Mental Health claims to have established a link between the chemical DEHP and neurodivergent conditions.

Started in 2010, the study focused on 800 Australian families, tracking them from the mother’s pregnancy through to the formative years of the children.

Through urine samples taken at late-term pregnancy, researchers were able to ascertain the DEHP exposure levels of the mothers while carrying their children.

And through a series of check-ins throughout their development, they were then able to track which children had developed symptoms of autism and ADHD.

The research then found that the children whose mothers had greater levels of exposure during pregnancy had developed the most traits – establishing what researchers believe to be a link.

And the study’s latest report not only establishes the link, but claims to be able to explain why this happens.

“Our study found infants exposed to higher levels of DEHP before birth showed distinctive changes in DNA methylation – an epigenetic switch that turns genes on and off – in their umbilical cord blood at birth,” lead author Sam Tanner said.

“What we have found is a possible biological explanation.”