Phthalates and BPA may have negative impacts on pregnancy
Phthalates and bisphenol A are ubiquitous plasticizing substances, used in the manufacture of a multitude of products (e.g. packaging), and whose adverse health effects are well-known.
Recently, two studies have also highlighted the severe consequences of these two categories of chemicals on the developing fetus.
The first study was conducted on 1 000 pregnant women. The researchers measured the level of corticotropin (pCrh), a hormone that ensures the harmonious development of the fetus, and which is released in increasing quantities during gestation. The study revealed an association between changes in pCrh, compared to the expected average levels, and the presence of phthalates in the placenta. These abnormal hormone levels can have very serious effects on the gestation (e.g. premature births) and, in rarer cases, can also be life-threatening for the mother and the baby.
Another research group conducted a study on animal models focusing on another endocrine disruptor: bisphenol A (BPA). The researchers analyzed a particular type of genetic material, consisting of tiny fragments of Rna, called micro Rna (miRna). These miRnas can migrate from the placenta to any part of the fetus's body, starting with the brain, this is why it is thought that their presence may be associated with impairments of cognitive development. The researchers exposed the animal models to BPA, both before and during gestation, and observed an increase in the release of miRna, which is linked to the quantity of BPA present.
The two studies highlight how the currently most used plasticizers are - in all likelihood - very dangerous for the fetus.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022000034?via%3Dihub
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