Early-life exposure to the common plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is linked to increased anxiety-like behavior in adulthood, according to research presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, ENDO 2026. Scientists from the University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine found that prenatal and postnatal exposure to the chemical in rats caused lasting behavioral changes, including heightened anxiety and increased freezing time, which researchers were able to reverse using GABA agonists and testosterone.
How does DEHP exposure affect neurological development?
DEHP acts as an endocrine-disrupting chemical that interferes with the reproductive and nervous systems during critical growth stages. According to Dr. Osvaldo Juan Ponzo, a professor of physiology at the University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine, the plasticizer influences behavioral patterns long after the initial exposure has ended. In the study, researchers administered DEHP to pregnant rats throughout gestation and the weaning period. Once the male offspring reached 70 days of age, they were tested in an elevated plus maze (EPM), a standard tool for measuring rodent anxiety based on their natural aversion to open, high spaces.
DEHP is commonly used to increase the flexibility of consumer goods, including medical devices, toys, shower curtains, and raincoats. Because it is not chemically bound to the plastic, it can leach into the environment over time.
Can the effects of early chemical exposure be reversed?
Neuroendocrine changes caused by DEHP are potentially reversible through targeted treatment, according to the study’s findings. Researchers observed that the rats exposed to DEHP spent less time in the open arms of the maze and exhibited more freezing behavior, indicating higher anxiety. However, when these same animals were treated with GABA agonists—molecules that activate the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid—or testosterone 14 days prior to testing, their anxiety-like behaviors decreased significantly. This suggests that the chemical’s impact on the brain’s neuroendocrine system may be mediated by these specific pathways.
What are the long-term implications for human health?
While the study was conducted on rodents, the findings provide a framework for understanding how human endocrine disruptors may shape behavioral health across a lifespan. Regulatory bodies and health organizations continue to monitor phthalates due to their widespread presence in household items. A primary concern for future research is identifying the threshold for safe exposure levels, particularly for pregnant individuals. The University of Buenos Aires team noted that even in the absence of continued DEHP exposure during adulthood, the initial developmental changes persisted, suggesting that the timing of exposure is as critical as the dose.
Pro Tip: Reducing Household Exposure
To minimize contact with phthalates like DEHP, experts often recommend choosing glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for food storage and heating, as plasticizers can leach into food more easily when heated or exposed to acidic contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is DEHP?
DEHP is a type of phthalate, a chemical used to make plastics more flexible and durable. It is found in many industrial and consumer products. - How does DEHP influence anxiety?
According to the University of Buenos Aires research, early-life exposure alters the neuroendocrine system, leading to increased anxiety-like behavior in adulthood. - Are these effects permanent?
The study suggests that while the behavioral changes are long-lasting, they may be reversible in a laboratory setting through the administration of GABA agonists or testosterone. - Where can I find more information on endocrine disruptors?
The Endocrine Society provides updated research and resources regarding the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on human health.
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