Research recently published in Environmental Science & Technology tested 200 American toddlers between the ages of 2 to 4 years old and found 96 chemicals lurking within their tiny bodies, which is concerning since early childhood is a critical period for both body and brain development. Many of these chemicals are unmonitored and are linked to hormone and brain disruption. Alarmingly, the toddlers often had higher levels of these chemicals than their mothers.
Testing For Chemical and Toxin Exposure
This study was conducted across multiple institutions spanning the nation in coordination with the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO), a program supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
For this study, urine samples were analyzed from 201 toddlers, testing for 111 chemicals.
- Phthalates and phthalate alternatives that are commonly used in plastics like toys and food packaging, as well as personal care products and household items.
- Parabens that are commonly used in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and pharmaceuticals.
- Bisphenols, which are commonly found in plastic containers, food can linings, and thermal paper receipts.
- Benzophenones that are commonly found in sunscreens, cosmetics, and plastics.
- Pesticides that are widely used in agricultural and residential pest control.
- Organophosphate esters (OPEs) that are widely used as flame retardants in furniture and building materials and as plasticizers in food packaging.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), byproducts of combustion found in vehicle exhaust, grilled foods, and tobacco smoke.
- Bactericides that are found in antibacterial soaps and personal care products.
We are all exposed to PFAS and these environmental chemicals through everyday activities, such as crawling, eating, drinking, breathing indoor and outdoor air, and touching contaminated surfaces. However, toddlers make more frequent hand-to-mouth contact, play close to the ground, and have higher intake rates relative to their smaller body weight, making toddlers especially vulnerable to chemical exposure.
Chemicals Found in the Toddlers
- 96 chemicals were detected in at least five children.
- 48 chemicals were found in over half of the children.
- 34 chemicals were detected in more than 90% of children — including nine chemicals not currently tracked in national health surveys like the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
“Our study shows that childhood exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is widespread. This is alarming because we know early childhood is a critical window for brain and body development,” said Deborah H. Bennett, lead author and UC Davis professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences. “Many of these chemicals are known or suspected to interfere with hormones, brain development, and immune function.”
Identified Trends
The researchers noted that the levels of triclosan, parabens, PAHs, and most phthalates decreased over the years from the samples that were collected (from 2010 to 2021). However, an alternative plasticizer, DINCH (di-iso-nonyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid), and emerging pesticides, such as the neonicotinoid acetamiprid, pyrethroid pesticides, and the herbicide 2,4-D, showed an upward trend.
Interestingly enough, firstborn children were found to have significantly lower chemical levels than their younger siblings. Additionally, chemical levels were often higher in younger toddlers (age 2) than in 3- or 4-year-olds and toddlers from racial and ethnic minority groups had higher levels of parabens, several phthalates, and PAHs.
Mothers of the toddlers provided urine samples during their pregnancy that allowed the researchers to also analyze the chemicals in their urine to compare with the children’s urine. This analysis and comparison revealed that the children had higher levels of several chemicals than the mothers did during pregnancy, including two phthalates, bisphenol S (often used as a BPA replacement), and the pesticide biomarkers 3-PBA and trans-DCCA.
Need For Stricter Regulation and Monitoring
Exposure to chemicals such as these can have long-term health implications; however, the researchers noted that further studies are necessary to fully comprehend these effects.
“Exposure to certain chemicals in early childhood — such as pesticides, plasticizers, and flame retardants — has been linked to developmental delays, hormone disruption, and other long-term health issues,” said Jiwon Oh, first author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences. “This new study highlights the urgent need for expanded biomonitoring and stronger regulations to protect children from harmful exposures.”
Tips To Limit Exposure
While it is basically impossible to eliminate all exposure, there are some simple steps that parents can take to limit their children’s contact with harmful chemicals.
- Choose safer products: Look for “phthalate-free,” “paraben-free” and “fragrance-free” labels.
- Avoid plastics labeled #3, #6, and #7: These may contain BPA or similar chemicals.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
- Limit habitual hand-to-face contact.
- Ventilate your home and use HEPA filters when possible.
- Limit pesticide exposure: Wash produce thoroughly and consider organic options.
- Clean regularly: Use a damp cloth to reduce dust that may contain chemical residues
This article was created at the WHN News Desk.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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New study: U.S. preschoolers exposed to broad range of potentially harmful chemicals
