Prenatal exposure to flame retardants and plastics that may affect how genes shape child brain development
Official title: Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphate Ester Flame Retardants and Plasticizers (OPEs), Gene-Environment Interaction, and Child Neurodevelopment
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11415620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy and a person’s genes together might influence a child’s risk for ADHD or autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 16, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $636,731 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES037332-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415620 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals and their offspring, particularly those with or at risk for autism or ADHD, who can provide exposure data and participate in follow-up assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Families not exposed to the specific chemicals or without a history of neurodevelopmental concerns may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers will study how real-world prenatal exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants and plasticizers interacts with genetics to influence neurodevelopment in children aged 0-11. The study will integrate environmental exposure data, genetic information, and behavioral assessments to identify subgroups that may be more vulnerable. By focusing on gene-environment interactions, the team hopes to clarify why some children are affected while others are not, potentially guiding future prevention and early intervention strategies. The work aims to connect environmental health with pediatric neurodevelopment in a way that could inform personalized approaches for at-risk families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding gene-environment interactions could lead to targeted prevention and earlier support for children at risk of autism or ADHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show associations between prenatal exposures and neurodevelopment, but this project adds gene-environment interactions for a potentially clearer picture.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ames, Jennifer Lisa — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Ames, Jennifer Lisa
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.