A new study reveals a new reason to eat at home more often instead of dining out: phthalates.
Phthalates are harmful chemicals found in consumer products such as shampoos, hair sprays, perfumes, and the plastics used in food processing and packaging. Consumption of these chemicals has been linked to birth defects, behavioral problems and obesity.
Exposure of this chemical in uterus can alter the development of the male reproductive tract, resulting in incomplete descent of testicles. Scientists now also suspect that the chemicals can cause fertility problems.
“Phthalates are a class of synthetic chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, meaning they affect hormones in the body,” said Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, an associate professor of pediatrics at Seattle Children’s Hospital.