Phthalates risk damaging children’s IQs in the womb, US researchers suggest

Additives found in plastics and scented products could affect brain development and lower IQ

Pregnant women should avoid additives called phthalates found in common household products, according to US researchers, who found evidence that the substances may reduce children’s IQ.

Children whose mothers had the highest levels of phthalates had IQs on average seven points below those whose mothers had the lowest. The 328 women from inner-city New York who took part in the study had levels of phthalates in urine measured in the last weeks of pregnancy. IQs of the children were tested at seven years old.

Continue reading...



from Pregnancy | The Guardian http://ift.tt/1BzufC5