Phthalates linked to decreased development

Scientists have found that prenatal exposure to phthalates is linked to a reduction of mental and motor development.

The study, published by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, could increase the concerns many already have about the potential health effects this group of chemicals has on young children.

As part of the research the children of 319 non-smoking inner-city women who gave birth between 1999 and 2006 were followed throughout pregnancy and early childhood.

"Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to these phthalates adversely affects child mental, motor and behavioural development during the preschool years," said Dr Robin M Whyatt, deputy director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health and professor of clinical Environmental Health Sciences.

"The results add to a growing public health concern about the widespread use of phthalates in consumer products," he added.

Exploration into the mechanisms by which phthalates affect development is still underway, but the current number of children with clinical disorders is small.