Exposure to chemicals found in plastic has been linked to the risk of premature birth. Phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics, have already been linked to a number of health issues, including asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, and obesity. In the study, scientists investigated whether exposure to phthalates before becoming pregnant was linked to the risk of premature birth. Of 420 babies tested, the results suggested higher levels of phthalates in the mother's urine before conception were linked to a higher risk of preterm birth. lightfieldstudios/123RF Phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics, are hard to avoid in the home.

Source: Stuff April 13, 2020 03:33 UTC