Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Maladaptive Behavior during Adolescence

Abstract

Introduction: Experimental and epidemiologic studies suggest that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates and phenols, may influence childhood behavior, but the relationship during adolescence has not been studied.Methods: We investigated the association of EDC exposures with maladaptive behavior in 205 adolescent (age 15 yrs) participants in the New Bedford Cohort, a birth cohort study of chemical exposure and neurodevelopment among residents near the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site, Massachusetts. Urine concentrations of biomarkers of phthalates, phenols and related replacement chemicals were quantified with mass spectrometry. Behavior was assessed with the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd edition Teacher Rating Scale, including the Developmental Social Disorders (DSD) scale related to autistic behaviors. Associations were examined using linear (normally distributed outcomes) or negative binomial (over dispersed Poisson distributed outcomes) regression adjusted for multiple potential confounders.Results: 40% of the adolescents were non-white or Hispanic; at birth, 32% were in low income households and 42% had unmarried mothers. Increased urine concentrations of the molar sum of antiandrogen phthalate biomarkers were associated with an increase in Externalizing Behavior, Behavioral Symptoms Index, and DSD and a decrease in Adaptive Skills. E.g., a doubling of urine antiandrogen phthalate biomarkers was associated with increased Externalizing (RR=1.04; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.08) and DSD (β=1.4; 95% CI: 0.4, 2.5) behaviors. Associations were stronger in males, but not significantly so. Phenols, other phthalates, and replacement chemicals were not associated with adverse behavior.Conclusion: Our findings support that antiandrogen phthalate exposure during adolescence is a potential correlate of maladaptive behavior.