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Exposure to everyday chemicals during pregnancy may increase the risk of asthma in children
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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A new study by researchers at Kumamoto University sheds light on a potential link between exposure to some everyday chemicals during pregnancy and the development of asthma in children. The study analyzed data from more than 3,500 mother-child pairs as part of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a large-scale national project.
Key results:
- High levels of butylparaben, a chemical commonly used in personal care products such as lotions and shampoos, in early pregnancy were associated with a 1.54-fold increased odds of developing asthma in children (odds ratio: 1.54).
- Exposure to 4-nonylphenol, a chemical found in some cleaning products and plastics, showed a strong gender-specific effect. Boys born to mothers exposed to the chemical were 2.09 times more likely to develop asthma, while no such association was observed in girls.
What are phenols?
Phenols, including parabens and alkylphenols, are widely used in consumer products for their preservative and antimicrobial properties. Although their use in small amounts is considered safe, their potential as endocrine disruptors has raised concerns about long-term health effects, such as an increase in allergic diseases, including asthma, especially during sensitive periods such as pregnancy.
Study:
Led by Dr. Shohei Kuraoka and his team at the Kyushu South Center and Okinawa Center, the Japan Environment and Children Study measured 24 types of phenols in urine samples collected from pregnant women. They then tracked the health of their children until they were four years old. The results highlight the importance of understanding how exposure to chemicals in everyday life can contribute to the development of respiratory and allergic diseases in children.
Public health implications:
"These findings highlight the need for careful assessment of chemical exposure during pregnancy," Dr. Kuraoka said. "Understanding these risks will allow us to develop better recommendations to protect the health of mothers and children."
While the study provides groundbreaking data, the researchers acknowledge limitations, such as the lack of direct measurements of phenol levels in children. Future research will aim to further explore these mechanisms and establish safe exposure thresholds.