Phthalates may increase risk of early births

A new study conducted in Mexico provides evidence that women with higher exposure to phthalates are likely to have their babies early.

Researchers collected urine during participants’ third trimester of pregnancy and measured 11 phthalate residues. The study reported a 2 to 4-fold increased likelihood of preterm births in women whose total phthalate exposure was above – versus below – the median.

Phthalates soften plastics and act as solvents in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. Personal care products, such as perfumes, lotions and cosmetics, medical devices, coatings in some pharmaceuticals, food packaging and vinyl, such as flooring, construction products, may contain phthalates. Human exposure is common because of their widespread use.

 Abstract and full study

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Written on 11 September 2009.

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