Title

Exposure to phthalates: Autism spectrum disorders outcome and children health. A systematic review

Principal Investigator

Maryam Zare Jedi

Abstract

Evidence implicates environmental factors in the pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, the identity of specific environmental chemicals such as phthalate esters that influence autism risk remains elusive. This paper systematically reviews published evidence on associations between prenatal and/or childhood exposure to phthalate and autism.
Studies were identified from a systematic literature search of Scopus, PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science prior to February 2015. The authors included studies of autism and estimates of exposure to phthalates.
This comprehensive bibliographic search identified four independent studies which were deemed relevant for further review. Each eligible paper was summarized with respect to its methods and results with particular attention to study design and exposure assessment, which have been cited as the main areas of weakness in this research.
This survey demonstrates that there is insufficient research on the possible association of phthalates exposure and autism and that further research is needed, with appropriate attention to exposure assessment and relevant pre and postnatal cofounders

Year

2013