Children whose mothers had highest levels of phthalates — a group of chemical compounds used to keep other products flexible — in their bodies while pregnant had markedly lower IQs at age 7, researchers said Wednesday. The study by Columbia University researchers is the latest in a series of studies connecting the phthalates, which can be found in plastic toys, vinyl flooring and dryer sheets, with behavioral disorders, deformations of the sex organs and other health problems. The researchers said pregnant women can avoid microwaving food in plastics, avoid scented products and not using recyclable plastics labeled as 3, 6 or 7 — those numbers indicate that the specific phthalates were used in their manufacture. Click through for more on the study.
