Phthalate Alternatives May Pose Brain Development Risks: New Study Finds

The potential health effects of exposure to phthalates, a component of many plastics, have raised concerns and led to the search for safer alternatives. In a new study, researchers have found that one of the commonly used phthalate alternatives, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), may not be as safe as previously thought. The research suggests that ATBC may interfere with the growth and maintenance of neurons, posing risks to brain development and health.

Background

Phthalates, commonly used in hundreds of products, are known to enhance durability or allow materials to bend and stretch. However, studies have shown that phthalate exposure can affect the reproductive system and early development in a range of animals, and their potential health impacts in humans are not yet fully clear. To address these concerns, companies have been looking for safer alternatives, with ATBC emerging as one of the leading options.

The Study

For the study, researchers grew cultures of neuroblastoma cells, which behave similarly to glial cells that support and protect neurons in the brain. The team used molecular methods to study how ATBC and other chemicals affect genes and processes involved in cellular division. The results indicated that neuroblastoma cells exposed to ATBC increased their expression of two genes associated with cellular stress and increased production of an enzyme associated with cellular senescence. These effects suggest that ATBC may interfere with the ability of glial cells to regenerate, thereby reducing their ability to protect neural cells and leading to neurodegeneration and accelerated aging.

Implications

The findings suggest that ATBC may pose risks to brain development and health, particularly during early stages when neurons are actively growing and dividing. Since neurons do not typically regrow once damaged, any effects on the brain are likely to be permanent. This is particularly concerning given that ATBC is currently used in a variety of materials and products, including food and food packaging.

Comparison with Other Alternatives

The study also compared ATBC with two other phthalate alternatives, bis (2-ethylhexyl)-1, 4-benzenedicarboxylate (GPO) and dioctyl adipate (DOA). The results indicated that neither of these alternatives showed the same effects as ATBC. This suggests that further understanding of the different effects of different plasticizers is needed to create safe alternatives.