Prenatal plasticizer exposure linked to autism- and ADHD-like traits through epigenetic changes

An observational Australian study (Barwon Infant Study) of 847 mother–baby pairs found that higher prenatal exposure to DEHP, a common plasticizer, was associated with DNA methylation changes in cord blood and more autism- and ADHD-related behaviors at ages 2 and 4, especially in boys. Exposure was estimated from a urine sample at 36 weeks; methylation patterns at about 531 genes and 1,000 sites mediated about 21% of the link. The researchers caution that this is correlation, not causation, and that parent-reported behaviors are not clinical diagnoses. The findings invite further research and support for precautionary health measures for pregnant women.