Effects of chemical exposures on brain function and behavior in adolescents

Brain Influences of Phthalates and Bisphenols in Adolescents

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10877052

This study is looking at how being exposed to certain chemicals during important growth stages might affect thinking and behavior in teenagers, and it's for parents and caregivers who want to understand how these substances could impact their kids as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877052 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to phthalates and bisphenols during critical developmental periods affects executive function and behavior in adolescents. By analyzing data from a large Dutch birth cohort, the study will measure urinary levels of these chemicals in participants at ages 9-10 and 13-14, and evaluate their cognitive and behavioral outcomes at ages 16-18. The research aims to understand the neurotoxic effects of these exposures and the underlying mechanisms involved, utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who have been exposed to phthalates and bisphenols during prenatal and early childhood periods.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 0-20 years or who have not been exposed to the chemicals of interest may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how environmental chemicals impact adolescent brain development and behavior, potentially informing public health policies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown significant negative impacts of prenatal exposure to phthalates and bisphenols on cognitive and behavioral outcomes, indicating that this approach has a foundation in established findings.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.