Phthalates, plasticizers in cosmetics, food packaging, and personal care products, act as endocrine disruptors linked to health risks. Exposure occurs via ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, with higher levels in pregnant women and children. Key biomarkers—urinary metabolites like MEHP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MBP, MEP, and MiBP—are measured using HPLC/MS/MS to assess daily intake and chronic exposure. […]
Tag: prenatal development
Autism Causes: Genetics, Environment, Neurobiology Explained
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition driven by genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Genetics, with 50-90% heritability, involves polygenic risk, rare mutations like copy number variations, and syndromes like Fragile X. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, link genes to environmental influences. Prenatal exposures—toxins, maternal infections, or obesity—disrupt fetal brain development, while […]
