Association of Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals During Adolescence With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Related Behaviors

Question Is exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during adolescence a risk factor for behaviors associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Findings In this cross-sectional analysis of data from 205 adolescents participating in a prospective birth cohort study, exposure to select phthalates was associated with an increased risk of ADHD-related behaviors. Associations were strongest for phthalates with antiandrogenic activity. Meaning These findings support the potential importance of exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, especially phthalates, during adolescence as correlates of ADHD-related behaviors. Importance Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common childhood neurobehavioral disorder. Studies suggest that prenatal and early childhood exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be associated with ADHD, but the association during adolescence has not been studied to date. Objective To evaluate the association between exposure to select endocrine-disrupting chemicals during adolescence and ADHD-related behaviors. Design, Setting, and Participants For this cross-sectional analysis, data were collected from 205 adolescents in the New Bedford Cohort, an ongoing prospective birth cohort, between June 18, 2011, and June 10, 2014. The adolescents provided spot urine samples and underwent neurodevelopmental testing. Statistical analyses performed from January 15 to December 31, 2019, used a repeated-measures analysis with multivariate modified Poisson models to estimate the adjusted relative risk of ADHD-related behaviors associated with exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Exposures Urinary biomarker concentrations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals or their metabolites, including phthalates, parabens, phenols, and triclocarban, were quantified. Summary exposure measures were created, combining biomarker concentrations of chemicals with a shared mechanism of action, exposure pathway, or chemical class. Main Outcomes and Measures Behaviors related to ADHD were assessed with up to 14 indices from self-, parent-, and teacher-completed behavioral checklists using validated and standardized instruments; specifically, the Conners Attention Deficit Scale and the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition. Scores on each index were dichotomized to identify those with evidence of a significant behavioral problem, defined by each scale's interpretive guidelines. Results Among the 205 participants, the mean (SD) age at assessment was 15.3 (0.7) years, with 112 girls (55%) and 124 non-Hispanic White participants (61%). The median urine concentrations were 0.45 mu mol/L of sigma antiandrogenic phthalates, 0.13 mu mol/L of sigma DEHP metabolites, 0.49 mu mol/L of sigma personal care product phthalates, 0.35 mu mol/L of sigma parabens, 0.02 mu mol/L of sigma bisphenols, and 0.02 mu mol/L of sigma dichlorophenols. A total of 82 (40%) had scores consistent with a significant behavioral problem, whereas 39 (19%) had an ADHD diagnosis. Each 2-fold increase in the sum of antiandrogenic phthalate concentrations was associated with a 1.34 (95% CI, 1.00-1.79) increase in the risk of significant ADHD-related behavior problems, whereas a 2-fold increase in the sum of dichlorophenols was associated with a 1.15 (95% CI, 1.01-1.32) increased risk. These associations tended to be stronger in male participants, but comparisons of sex-specific differences were imprecise. Conclusions and Relevance Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are used in a wide variety of consumer products resulting in ubiquitous exposure. The study findings suggest that exposure to some of these chemicals, particularly certain phthalates, during adolescence may be associated with behaviors characteristic of ADHD. This cross-sectional analysis evaluates the association between exposure to select endocrine-disrupting chemicals during adolescence and attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD)-related behaviors.