Study Links Prenatal Chemical Exposure To Asthma Risk
BOSTON (CBS) -- A new study is linking prenatal exposure to some common household chemicals and a child's risk of developing asthma.
The chemicals are called phthalates, and they are so widespread that exposure to them is virtually unavoidable. But pregnant women may want to try to limit their exposure to certain household products if they want to lower their child's risk of developing asthma.
Dr. Robin Whyatt with Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health says pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable time.
"The prenatal period tends to be the greatest window of susceptibility, the time when the lungs are developing," Whyatt said.
Researchers at Columbia found that exposure to high levels of two kinds of phthalates led to a 70 percent increased risk of their children being diagnosed with asthma between the ages of 5 and 11.
Phthalates are found in everything from plastic containers, to synthetic fragrances, to vinyl flooring and shower curtains.
"They are used both as plasticizers to make plastic flexible," Whyatt said. "They are also used to hold scent."
Phthalates are generally not listed on a product label, so it's difficult to avoid them completely, but experts say there are ways to lower your exposure. Avoid plastics with the numbers three, six and seven, don't microwave food in plastic containers and reduce your use of scented products.
Phthalates have already been banned in toys for young children, but researchers say more needs to be done to protect children before they are born.
The study followed 300 pregnant women and their children who live in a part of New York City with one of the highest asthma rates in the world. Researchers say they can't say for sure if they would see the same results in communities with much lower asthma rates.
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