EXPERT REACTION: Exposure to common household chemicals in the womb may increase risk of language delays in kids
Being exposed to phthalates - which are found in a wide range of household products including shampoos, perfumes, hairspray, and floor and wall coverings - while in the womb may make kids more likely to have delays in developing language, according to Swedish and US scientists. They brought together data on phthalate exposure during the first trimester and children's language development from two studies - one Swedish and one US - including a total of 1,333 women. The Swedish data strongly suggest increased phthalate exposure increases the chances of language delays, but the US data is less conclusive, they say.
Journal/conference: JAMA Pediatrics
Link to research (DOI): 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3115
Organisation/s: Karlstad University, Sweden
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Expert Reaction
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