Plasma phthalate levels in children with speech delay

Speech delay is a common developmental concern. Environmental pollutants like phthalates, recognized as endocrine disruptors, may be a risk factor. We aimed to investigate the relationship between phthalates and speech delay. The study comprised 50 children with isolated speech delay and 40 healthy children of similar ages. Children were assessed for speech delay risk factors and phthalate exposure sources. High-pressure liquid chromatography examined plasma di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) levels. DEHP, MEHP, and DBP levels varied between study and control groups: 0.377 (0.003–1.224 µg/ml), 0.212 (0.007–1.112 µg/ml) (p = 0.033), 0.523 (0.031–2.477 µg/ml), 0.152 (0.239–2.129 µg/ml) (p < 0.001), and 0.395 (0.062–1.996 µg/ml) and 0.270 (0.006–0.528) (p = 0.004). Multiple linear regression was used to adjust phthalate levels and speech delay risk factors. DEHP levels were did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.233), whereas MEHP and DBP levels were considerably higher in the study group (p < 0.001). The statistically significant rise in plasma phthalate levels in children with speech delay implies phthalate exposure may be a risk factor, but further epidemiological research is needed. © 2025 The Authors