A Common Plastic Chemical May Leave a Lasting Mark on the…

A Common Plastic Chemical May Leave a Lasting Mark on the Developing Brain Paediatrics | Endocrinology | Neurodevelopment A new animal study presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, has raised fresh concerns about a plasticizer found in everyday products including medical devices, toys, shower curtains and raincoats. Researchers at the University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine investigated DEHP, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, a chemical widely used to make plastics more flexible. Pregnant rats received daily oral doses of DEHP from the start of pregnancy until their pups were weaned. Once the male offspring reached adulthood, researchers tested their anxiety-related behaviour using a standard elevated plus maze, which measures how willing rodents are to explore open, elevated spaces versus retreating to enclosed ones. The rats exposed to DEHP early in life showed clear signs of heightened anxiety as adults, avoiding open areas, spending more time in enclosed spaces, and freezing