A new study suggests that phthalates, chemicals found in common cosmetic products like shampoo and soap, may disrupt the brain development of unborn babies. Phthalates, used to make plastics more flexible, are also found in food packaging and toys. They have been linked to health issues such as hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and developmental delays in children.
Published on April 2 in Nature Communications, the study found that pregnant women exposed to high levels of phthalates—often through personal care products—showed changes in brain chemicals essential for fetal brain development. This exposure was associated with delays in attention and responsiveness in newborns.
Researchers from Emory University in Atlanta focused on African American mothers, as they are more frequently exposed to phthalates due to factors like product use and environmental differences. The study tracked mothers’ phthalate levels through urine samples collected at different stages of pregnancy. The findings suggest that prenatal exposure to phthalates can impact long-term brain and behavior development.
The research adds to mounting concerns about phthalate exposure. A JAMA Pediatrics study found that nearly all pregnant women tested had detectable phthalate levels, and those with higher concentrations faced an increased risk of preterm birth. Phthalates have also been detected in food, prompting U.S. lawmakers to propose a bill to ban them from the food supply, though it has not yet passed.
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