Phthalates Could Cause Low Birth Weight
June 27, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
The evidence is mounting that some chemicals in plastics just aren’t good for us. A new study to be published in the Journal of Pediatrics investigates whether there’s a link between exposure to phthalates while in the womb and low birth weight.
Phthalates are chemical compounds used as plasticizers in products like toys, medical devices and personal care products.
During the study, researchers analyzed samples of the very first bowel movements of infants to determine phthalate levels. Cord blood was also studied.
Researchers included Dr. Renshan Ge of the Population Council and colleagues from Fudan University and Second Military Medical University in Shanghai.
Phthalates Study Findings:
• 88 of 201 infants studied had low birth weight
• 70% of samples contained phthalates
• Low birth weight infants had consistently higher levels of phthalates
Dr. Ge said, “The results showed that phthalate exposure was ubiquitous in these newborns, and that prenatal phthalate exposure might be an environmental risk factor for low birth weight in infants.”
(Image via stock.xchng)
