Phthalates Might Cause Lowered IQ in The Womb

A team of US researchers say that they found evidence that the common additives used in manufacturing processes called phthalates may reduce a child's IQ in the womb if the mother is exposed to those chemicals during pregnancy, The Guardian reported.

Researchers collected urine samples from pregnant women residing in inner-city New York who were in the last weeks of their pregnancy. 328 women participated in the study and the IQs of their children were tested seven years later. The results were really interesting. Mothers who had the highest level of the chemical in their urine sample had children with IQs that were seven points lower on average compared to the children of mothers with the lowest level of that chemical in their urine.

The chemicals called phthalates have previously been linked to hormonal changes, but the new study is the first one to suggest a link between the IQ levels of children and the mothers' level of exposure to such chemicals. Phthalates are widely used in the production of common household products like plastic containers, soaps, hairsprays, lipsticks, scented candles, fabrics, paints, and flooring materials.

Even though the study was observational and cannot prove that the phthalates are the only culprit behind lowered IQ, the researchers say that it is still important for pregnant women to avoid the chemical.

An epidemiologist, Pam Factor-Litvak, at New York's Columbia University told the Guardian, "People, and especially pregnant women, should try to reduce their exposure to phthalates, and we as investigators follow the same advice that we give."

Factor-Litvak also advised expecting mothers to avoid scented products of any sort, including air fresheners and scented personal care products. He also advised against microwaving food in plastic. He said storing food in glass containers should be preferred over plastic ones. He also warned about the plastic products that carry the numbers 3, 6 or 7 on them.