Podcast Summary: Hacking Your ADHD

Episode: Research Recap with Skye: Microplastics
Host: William Curb
Guest: Skye Waterson
Air Date: March 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Hacking Your ADHD’s “Research Recap” series takes a deep dive into a recent review paper: “Use of Cosmetics in Pregnancy and Neurotoxicity: Can it increase the risks of congenital enteric neuropathies?” Host William Curb and guest Skye Waterson discuss the potential neurotoxic effects of cosmetic ingredients—especially microplastics and phthalates—on neurodevelopment, and their possible associations with ADHD symptoms. While the conversation centers on pregnancy as a critical exposure window, the implications are relevant for anyone concerned with environmental chemical exposure and its connection to ADHD.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Research Paper’s Focus and Context

• Paper Reviewed: Explores how neurotoxins from cosmetics (e.g., phthalates, parabens, metals, microplastics) might cross the placental barrier and disrupt fetal nervous system development, with a focus on pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Disclaimer:
  • "Of course, we're not doctors and ... not complete experts in this field, so we'll be trying to do our best." (William, 02:29)

Why This Matters for ADHD

• Relevance to ADHD:
  • The review identified phthalates—especially dibutyl phthalate (DBP)—as associated with increased ADHD-like symptoms.
  • "From their review, they found that there is definitely a link between phthalates and ADHD with higher concentrations of ... dibutyl phthalate. ... It's, you know, correlated with this increased attention and impulsivity." (William, 04:30)
• Research Nuance:
  • The paper describes “ADHD behavioral profiles,” not formal diagnoses.
  • Skye notes an increasing focus on “subclinical ADHD” and symptom associations in recent research rather than strict diagnoses.
  • "When you're not in an academic setting, the focus is always on the ADHD official diagnosis. But ... especially in the last couple of years, that has been far less of a part of the conversation." (Skye, 05:23)

What Are Phthalates?

• Definition & Uses:
  • Family of chemicals used to soften plastics; common in cosmetics such as eyeshadow, nail polish, moisturizers, hair products, and in countless plastic products.
  • "They're found in eyeshadows, fragrances, nail polishes, moisturizers, hair products, but also in like a lot of plastic products to make them softer..." (William, 07:07)
• Hormonal and Neurodevelopmental Impact:
  • Phthalates can disrupt thyroid hormone regulation and other endocrine functions, which are linked to neurodevelopment and potentially ADHD symptoms. (Skye, 07:20)

Exposure and Practical Challenges

• Prevalence:
  • Phthalates and microplastics are “everywhere,” including in certain water supplies, household dust, and many everyday products.
  • "The cutting out stuff that is just everywhere in the world is hard." (William, 08:54)
• On ‘Just Avoid It’ Advice:
  • Skye underscores that avoiding these chemicals is difficult, time-consuming, and can be costly.
  • "That was a really, really complicated, expensive process that involved a lot of research and a lot of time. So when somebody says 'oh just avoid phthalates' ... that is very difficult." (Skye, 08:14)

Harm Reduction Over Perfection

• Realistic Goals:
  • Reducing exposure is helpful, but achieving “zero” exposure isn’t practical.
  • "The goal shouldn't be to go to zero because that's not realistic." (William, 09:15)
• Product Tip:
  • Skye suggests the Anika makeup line as a phthalate-free alternative after personal research. (09:26)

Microplastics and Broader Neurodevelopmental Risks

• Endocrine Disruptors:
  • Besides ADHD, associations are reported with autism spectrum disorder, obesity, Parkinson-like syndromes, Alzheimer’s, and more.
  • ADHD is emphasized in this discussion, but the chemical exposure issue is broad. (10:31)
• Industry Responsibility:
  • Both speakers agree that societal and regulatory change is key, not just individual action—especially given how widely used and variably regulated these chemicals are.
  • "We need to find ways to not have that everywhere." (William, 11:41)

Societal Implications and Who Gets the Burden

• Gender & Pregnancy Focus:
  • Most research and exposure focus is on pregnant women, but Skye notes, "the answer is not to add one more thing to the plate of somebody who is having a baby and taking care of other people." (Skye, 11:59)
• Call for Structural Change:
  • William: “We as a society need to be making changes. ... This is not simply mom needs to be better.” (12:59)

Individual Action and General Advice

• Outside Pregnancy:
  • Even for those not pregnant, reducing cosmetic and environmental exposure to these chemicals may still be beneficial.
  • Other relevant products: sunscreens and items with metals. (14:01)
• Critical Windows:
  • The biggest risk is during phases of rapid brain development, i.e., fetal development in pregnancy. (14:35)

Rethinking ADHD Causation

• Beyond Genetics:
  • The discussion reflects evolving science: environmental exposures can likely interact with genetic risk or act via “epigenetic switches.”
  • "Interesting connection into this idea that maybe there is more to ADHD symptoms than just genetics." (Skye, 14:49)
• Magnitude of Effect:
  • William: "Say you have... ADHD, but you're also exposed to chemicals that give you more ADHD symptoms. You're going to have more ADHD." (15:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Avoiding Chemicals:
  • “That was a really, really complicated, expensive process that involved a lot of research and a lot of time. … That is not the easiest thing to do.” —Skye (08:14)
• On Societal vs. Individual Responsibility:
  • “We as a society need to be making changes. This is not simply mom needs to be better.” —William (12:59)
• On Research Gaps:
  • “It's really about bringing awareness to the fact that this is something that should be paid attention to.” —Skye (11:09)
• Reflecting on ADHD’s Complexity:
  • “Maybe there is more to ADHD symptoms than just genetics.” —Skye (14:49)
  • "Magnitude of effect… you’re going to have more ADHD." —William (15:28)

Important Timestamps

• 01:38: Show intro & overview of episode theme
• 02:45: Skye introduces paper’s scope and personal relevance
• 04:30: Connection between phthalate exposure and ADHD symptoms
• 05:23: Distinction between “ADHD profile” and formal diagnosis in research
• 07:07: Where phthalates are found in products
• 08:14: The complexities and challenges of avoiding phthalates
• 09:15: Harm reduction vs. total elimination
• 10:31: Microplastics, broader neurodevelopmental associations
• 11:41: Need for regulatory and industry response
• 12:59: Conclusion: the responsibility lies beyond individuals, especially mothers
• 14:35: Why pregnancy is the critical window for study
• 14:49: Environmental vs. genetic contributions to ADHD

Tone and Takeaway

Conversational, honest, and practical, this episode demystifies emerging research and underscores the complexity of environmental contributors to ADHD and neurodevelopment. It affirms the importance of harm reduction, societal change, and nuanced understanding over blaming individuals—especially pregnant women. The conversation invites listeners to reflect on actionable steps without guilt and to advocate for industry and policy changes while learning about their own environmental exposures.