Investigating how early exposure to phthalates affects brain development in young children
Early Life Phthalate Exposures in Relation to Structural and Functional Brain Development
This study is looking at how being around certain chemicals called phthalates in the first five years of life might affect how children's brains grow and work, and it involves parents and caregivers sharing their observations about their kids' development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11120857 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of phthalate exposure during the critical early years of brain development, specifically from birth to age 5. It aims to assess how these exposures influence both the structure and function of the brain, utilizing advanced imaging techniques like MRI. By tracking various developmental outcomes over time, the study seeks to clarify the complex relationship between phthalate exposure and neurodevelopmental changes. Parents and caregivers will be involved in the evaluation process to provide insights into their children's behavioral and social development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include infants and young children aged 0 to 5 years who may have been exposed to phthalates.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 0 to 5 years or those without any known exposure to phthalates may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for reducing harmful exposures in infants, ultimately supporting healthier brain development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated potential links between prenatal phthalate exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Engel, Stephanie — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Engel, Stephanie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.