A study recently released by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, and published in Environmental Pollution, has found that prenatal exposure to phthalates can lead to reduced lung function in children. This study found that these chemicals, which are in many consumer goods (including some given to children), can severely impact a child’s development, leading to long-term health problems. While heavily restricted, the phthalate use remains legal in the United States for some purposes.
What Are Phthalates?
In simple terms, phthalates are a type of chemical used in the manufacturing of many consumer goods, including nail polish, hair gel, perfume, shampoo, and soaps, as well as vinyl flooring, plastic packaging, and medical tubing. They are commonly used as a plasticizer, causing certain materials to become more flexible and less brittle. Phthalates have earned the nickname of “the everywhere chemical” because of how commonly they are used, as well as how hard it is to get rid of them.
What is the Danger of Phthalates?
Unfortunately, phthalates are known hormone disruptors, causing harm to the endocrine system that can impact physical development and cause reproductive health issues. They have been known to be especially dangerous to children, negatively impacting their growth and causing developmental problems. While some of these issues can resolve themselves over time, others can become permanent health problems that affect children well into adulthood.
Why is This Study Important?
The study demonstrates that, even in the womb, children are not protected against phthalate exposure. These chemicals can affect development of a child at their earliest stages of growth, impairing their lung function and making it more difficult for them to engage in physical exertion. This is in addition to the other health issues associated with high levels of phthalate exposure, which can result in a severe negative impact to a victim’s life.
What Should You Do if You Suffer Phthalate Exposure?
If you or someone you love has been exposed to toxic levels of phthalates, you may be able to seek compensation. The use of phthalates is heavily regulated in the United States, but it is not illegal, and some manufacturers will use these chemicals at irresponsible levels. If this happens, a lawyer with experience handling toxic exposure cases may be able to help you to seek justice for the harm you have suffered.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.