phthalates in the news

So, a pretty important study was released today from Taiwan regarding the impact of exposure to phthalates during pregnancy.  Essentially the data has proven that mother’s can pass on the hormone altering chemical while the child is in utero, resulting in deformities, according to Environmental Health News.

 

Amniotic fluid and urine samples from 65 pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis were analyzed for five kinds of phthalates. At birth, the researchers measured the distance from the anus to the genitals in both male and female babies. This measure is called the anogenital distance (AGD) and indicates abnormal sexual development (specifically, differentiation) in the womb.

The metabolite monobutyl phthalate (MBP) in the amniotic fluid and urine was correlated in all newborns. This means the pollutant was able to pass from the mother, through the placenta and into the fetal circulation system.

Phthalates is a chemical that is, most commonly used, in the synthesis of plastics, but has also been found in fragrance used in everyday household items.  It acts as a hormone mimicker and has been linked to a higher occurrence of cancers, genital deformities and learning disabilities.

This is just another example proving that the approval of the chemical was premature on the part of the FDA and the chemical companies.