Plastic surrounds us from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep. It is found in food packaging, household products, toys, medical equipment and countless everyday items. While most people rarely think about the chemicals used to make these products, researchers are increasingly examining whether some of them could have lasting effects on health.
New research presented at ENDO 2026, the annual meeting of The Endocrine Society, has drawn attention to one such chemical. Scientists from the University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine investigated DEHP, a plastic additive commonly used to make plastics softer and more flexible, reports Science Daily.
A closer look
DEHP can be found in a wide range of products, including medical devices, raincoats, shower curtains and children's toys. Previous studies have already linked the chemical to effects on several body systems, leading researchers to examine whether it could also influence behavior.
To explore the issue, scientists exposed pregnant rats to DEHP during pregnancy and early development. Once the male offspring reached adulthood, they were evaluated using established behavioral tests designed to measure anxiety-related responses.
Also read: Wegovy faces competition from new weight loss drugs – here are the rivals
Lasting effects
The results showed clear differences between exposed animals and those that had not encountered the chemical. Rats exposed to DEHP early in life were less willing to explore open areas and spent more time in enclosed spaces.
Researchers also observed increased periods of immobility, another behavior commonly associated with anxiety in animal studies. The findings suggest that exposure during critical stages of development may influence brain function long after the chemical itself is no longer present.
What comes next?
The study also found that certain treatments appeared to reduce the behavioral changes seen in the exposed animals, offering scientists new clues about the biological mechanisms involved.
Although the research was conducted in rats and cannot be directly applied to humans, experts say the findings highlight the need for further investigation into how common environmental chemicals may affect long-term mental health.
Also read: Copper treatment could help the brain clear harmful proteins linked to alzheimer’s
As concerns grow about the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, studies like this continue to raise important questions about the hidden effects of everyday plastic exposure.
Also read: Nutrition expert gave up complicated diets – now she swears by one simple rule