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28 INTERNATIONAL AWEMainta
Autism and ADHD in Children
Potential Association Between the Common Plastic
Additive BPA and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
IN recent decades, there has been a significant surge in
the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyper-
activity disorder (ADHD) among children. This phenomenon
has prompted inquiries into potential underlying factors,
and emerging research highlights the plausible involvement
of bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous plastic additive.
BPA finds extensive utilization in plastic manufacturing
processes and is notably present in various food and
beverage containers. Extensive prior investigations have
linked BPA to endocrine disruption and associated health
concerns, including but not limited to breast cancer and
infertility.
The current study, conducted by researchers from Rowan
University and Rutgers University in the United States,
undertook a comprehensive examination involving three
distinct cohorts of children. These comprised 66 individuals
with ASD, 46 with ADHD, and 37 neurotypical counterparts.
The primary focus of this investigation centered on eluci-
dating the glucuronidation process—an enzymatic mech-
anism employed by the body to eliminate toxins from the
bloodstream via urinary excretion.
Findings from the study delineate that children diagnosed
with ASD and ADHD exhibit diminished efficiency in clearing
BPA and a congeneric compound known as Diethylhexyl
Phthalate (DEHP) from their physiological systems in
comparison to their neurotypical peers. Consequently, this
impaired detoxification process may engender prolonged
exposure to the deleterious effects associated with these
Dialuna, 9 October 2023
compounds.
Of particular note, the study reveals a statistically significant
contrast in the clearance rates of BPA. Specifically, children
with ASD manifest an 11% reduction in clearance efficiency,
while children with ADHD exhibit a more pronounced 17%
reduction relative to the control cohort.
The underlying hypothesis posits that inherent genetic vari-
ations within certain individuals may impede the effective
clearance of BPA, thereby facilitating its persistence within
the biological milieu. Such protracted exposure to BPA
is surmised to potentially exert adverse repercussions on
neuronal development and functioning.
It is imperative to recognize that the etiology of ASD and
ADHD is multifaceted, arising from a complex interplay
between genetic predispositions and environmental influ-
ences. Therefore, while this study underscores the plausible
connection between BPA exposure and the manifestation
of these neurodevelopmental disorders, it is essential to
emphasize that causality remains unestablished. Subsequent
research endeavors are warranted to unravel the intricate
web of factors contributing to the pathogenesis of these
conditions.
The burgeoning body of evidence pointing to the association
between neurodevelopmental disorders and environmental
contaminants, particularly plasticizers, is noteworthy. The
current study serves as a pivotal milestone in shedding light
on the potential nexus between plasticizer-induced neuro-
developmental disorders and underscores the exigency of
further investigations in this domain.