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Phthalates are a commonly used industrial compound found in everything from canned and prepackaged foods to toiletries and shower curtains. Their use has drawn criticism across the board because they mimic hormones and have been linked to cancer, neurological damage, and problems with fetal development.
A new study published by the Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health in Environmental Health Perspectives has found that prenatal exposure to phthalates can cause problems with early development of mental and motor skills.
According to Science Daily:
The study followed the children of 319 non-smoking inner-city women who gave birth between 1999 and 2006. Researchers, led by Robin M. Whyatt, DrPH, deputy director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, measured metabolites of four phthalates in maternal urine as markers of prenatal exposure. The phthalates were: di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate and butylbenzyl phthalate. The study evaluated associations between prenatal exposures to these phthalates and child mental, motor and behavioral development at age 3 years.
With the help of a widely used development test, researchers found that exposure to certain classes of phthalates could cause motor skill delay and in girls, mental development delays.
Again, Science Daily:
Prenatal exposures to three of the phthalates were also significantly associated with behavior problems including emotionally reactive behavior, anxiety/depression, somatic complaints and withdrawn behavior.
That's reason enough for mommies-to-be to drastically reduce their exposure. Check out these tips for reducing phthalates in your cosmetic world. Also, avoid excessive canned foods because they often have phthalates as well. Products made with more natural materials and less plastic are always a better choice.
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