ECHO Chemical Exposures Research
Chemical Exposures
The ECHO Program’s uniquely diverse, nationwide research network includes more than 64,000 children and families. It allows researchers to investigate how chemical exposures can influence a child’s development during pregnancy and their weight, breathing, mental health, and more as they grow up.
Resources
Visit these government sites to learn more about chemical exposure initiatives.
QUESTIONS
For information or to request an interview, contact the ECHO Program Coordinating Center echocc@dm.duke.edu.
If you are not a member of the media, but have a general inquiry, please contact NIHKidsandEnvironment@od.nih.gov.
Every day, we encounter environmental chemicals, including in our water, food, household products, and the air we breathe. The ECHO Program is dedicated to understanding how exposure to these chemicals impacts the health and well-being of children and families. ECHO researchers explore the health effects of various chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), lead, phthalates, phenols, parabens, and others.
What We're Learning
Since its launch, the ECHO Program has published more than 2,200 research articles on a wide range of child health topics. Within this body of work, many studies have examined chemical exposures.
Here are some research highlights:
Exposure to Common Type of Pesticide During Pregnancy Was Not Linked to Autism-Related Traits in Children
August 24, 2026
Higher prenatal exposure to common organophosphate pesticides was not associated with an increase in autism-related social and behavioral traits in children.
Exposure to Metals During Pregnancy May Be Linked to Autism-Related Traits in Children
July 21, 2026
Exposure to higher levels of certain metals in mothers’ blood during pregnancy was linked to a slight increase in autism-related traits and higher odds of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in children.
Following U.S. Dietary Guidelines During Pregnancy May Be Linked to Differences in Chemical Exposure
July 28, 2026
Adhering to U.S. Dietary Guidelines during pregnancy reduced levels of several food-packaging and environmental chemicals, but increased levels of certain pesticides and preservatives.
Exposure to Multiple Chemicals During Pregnancy Associated with Adverse Birth Outcomes
June 17, 2026
Exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy was linked to differences in gestational age and birthweight.
Exposure to Flame-Retardant Chemicals During Pregnancy Associated with Differences in Child Growth Patterns
April 8, 2026
Prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) is associated with altered child growth trajectories, with some chemicals linked to faster increases in BMI and weight while others were associated with slower growth.
Exposure to Certain Flame-retardant Chemicals During Pregnancy May Be Linked with Decreased Cognitive Function in Young Children, ECHO Study Finds
February 1, 2026
Prenatal exposure to certain organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants is associated with minor decreases in cognitive function in children aged 4 to 6.
ECHO Study Investigates Relationship Between Chemical Exposures, Pregnancy Stress, & Birth Outcomes
January 7, 2026
Exposure to common consumer and industrial chemicals was associated with shorter pregnancies and lower birthweights, particularly among women who also experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression.