Columbia, New York – A new study found that plastic chemicals could have unintended health consequences, especially during pregnancy. “Phthalate”, a chemical substance rarely seen on labels is linked to increased asthma risks to the unborn child.
The new study, published in the Environmental Health Perspectives indicated that the substance, usually found in the classification of sticky chemicals, making plastic flexible and making fragrance stick to the skin, face, and hair could cause unintended health consequences. The study was conducted by a research team from the Columbia University. The researchers followed a group of 300 mothers and their children in the inner city of New York for several years. They compared the urine samples of the moms during pregnancy, identifying phthalates concentrations and determining if their children had asthma between ages 5 and 11.
Professor Robin Whyatt, lead author of the study said everyone in the United States is exposed to the substance. Within the urgent care clinic of the researchers, they compared the mothers with the highest levels with that of the lowest levels.
Pregnant or expectant mothers always need a sort of an urgent care near me facility, considering the fragility of their condition. They often visit urgent care clinics to monitor their state as well as their unborn child. Additionally, the study found that the children of women with the highest levels of the substance in their urine had 72% to 78% increase in asthma risks.
Virtually, phthalates are everywhere like in nail polish, denim, and school supplies. These chemical substances usually lurk in home materials and plastic, and because they are fragrant, they’re very popular in many types of personal care products.
Throughout the study, researchers indicated that phthalate concentration has a strong association with perfume and vinyl flooring. Whyatt said the substance is volatile, dispersing into the air easily, reducing urgent care and prevention. Thus, inhalation of the substance is significant exposure. Whyatt added that the unborn children are at high risks due to the rapid development of their lungs, making it susceptible to environmental exposure.
The unintended health consequences associated with the substance also involves the endocrine glands. The substance is considered as an endocrine disruptor, messing up the natural hormone system of the body, which is vital during fetal development.
Whyatt also pointed that elimination of exposure is impossible and limiting the exposure is difficult since the substance is present in many widespread products. The issue should be addressed by the regulators, she added. The unintended health consequences linked to the chemical substance also include respiratory issues, hormonal imbalance, and early onset of eczema.