Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals Linked to ADHD
David M. Ozonoff, Ph.D.
Boston University School of Public Health
NIEHS Grant P42ES007381
Researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health report a link between exposure to polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. This research was supported by NIEHS.
PFCs are highly stable compounds used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications such as stain resistant coatings, food packaging, fire-fighting foams, and non-stick surfaces for cookware. The research team used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to compare PFCs levels in blood samples taken from 571 children ranging in age from 12 to 15. Forty-eight of the children were reported to have ADHD. An earlier report of NHANES data suggests that more than 98% of the US population has measureable amounts of PFCs. Because of the compounds' stability, it can take years for PFCs to be eliminated from the body.
Other research suggests that PFCs may be developmental neurotoxicants. In vitro studies show the compounds affect nervous cell differentiation and in utero rodent studies linked PFCs to reductions in thyroid hormone, which is known to regulate brain development.
The Boston University team is careful to point out that at the present time, there is no evidence that PFCs cause ADHD—they have only discovered the link. But given the persistence and prevalence of these compounds in the environment further investigations into whether PFCs cause ADHD and other behavioral disorders is merited.
Citation: Hoffman K, Webster TF, Weisskopf MG, Weinberg J, Vieira VM. Exposure to Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in U.S. Children Aged 12-15 Years. Environ Health Perspect. 2010 Jun 15.
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