New research has discovered that exposure to phthalates in the prenatal period can increase the risk of mental, psychomotor and behavioral problems.
One of the biggest problems inherent to this study is that this group of chemicals are not rare.
In fact phthalates are found in everyday household products such as hair spray, shampoo, nail polish, adhesives, detergents, plastic toys, raincoats, wall coverings and food packaging.Phthalates are called plasticizers because they make plastics more flexible as well as their use as a solvent.
Phthalates are known to interfere with the endocrine system. They have been shown to cause disruption in the male reproductive system, specially in reducing sperm count as well as testicular atrophy. Some research has even found links between phthalates and liver cancer.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends more testing of the effects of phthalates on infants and is currently working to pass a new federal Kid-Safe Chemicals Act. This act would revise the country's toxic chemical law to assure that chemicals such as phthalates are safe for babies, children and other at-risk groups before they are approved for use.
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