The project seeks to investigate whether endocrine disrupters affect the fetus. Endocrine disrupters in pregnant women has serious consequences for the fetus brain. The costs both affect society and the individual woman and fetus and therefore, this project investigates the harmful consequences. We have measured the chemicals in urine and blood on almost every pregnant woman in Odense Children's Cohort which concludes that every fetus is exposed to chemicals. In addition, we found that pregnant women with a high level of phthalate or bisphenol A (found in soft and hard plastic) in their urine had sons with poorer language development at the age of 2, whereas there the language development of the daughters were unaffected. Language development is an early marker for neuropsychological development and is consistent with the exam results after 9th grade which is disquieting. It is therefore, important to follow these children until the age of 7 to observe whether the influence of the chemicals is ongoing. We propose to collect a valid goal for the cognitive level of the children (intelligence (IQ)) at school start. In cooperation with both national and EU authorities the results of the project will lead to the regulation of harmful chemicals.
Head of research: Tina Kold Jensen
