Prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and child behavior

Abstract The potential adverse effects of prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on child behavior have been addressed in several recent studies and a review of 14 studies published the last 2 years (March 2017- March 2019) is provided. The published studies are focusing on several classes of EDCs including bisphenol A, phthalates, organochlorines, perfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). Several methods have been used to identify abnormal behavior, including questionnaires and registered diagnoses. Overall, the results indicate that abnormal behavior may be associated with several of the EDC exposures although not entirely consistent. The most convincing associations observed relate to phthalate exposures (four studies all showing adverse associations) and PFAS exposures where both of the two studies included also indicated an adverse association.