One of the chemicals that is common in most household products may lead to low IQ among children. Pregnant women who have high amounts of this chemical during pregnancy would give birth to children who are tested who have lower IQ scores compared to others, a new study said.
In fact, this chemical can be found in food and common in most household products. A previous researched had associated the link between a chemical called "phthalates" to poor mental and motor development among pre-schoolers.
Additionally, researchers from the Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have examined the exposure to five various types of phthalates.Phthalates are more fondly called "hormone disruptors" or "endocrine disruptors". They studied di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), during pregnancy.
The researchers studied 328 women and their children who were from low-income communities in New York City. The children were given an IQ test for those who are at least seven years old. The study was published in an online publication entitled, PLos ONE.
The children underwent an IQ test when they are 7 years old. The study shows that children who were in the top 25% for exposure to two phthalates and IQ around the 7 points lowet than those who were in the bottom 25% of exposure.
Professor Robin Whyatt, the lead author of the study, "The magnitude of these IQ differences is troubling. A six- or seven-point decline in IQ may have substantial consequences for academic achievement and occupational potential."
The study, "Persistent Associations between Maternal Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates on Child IQ at Age 7 Years," was published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.
§ Common household items with the said chemical are:
§ Hairspray.
§ Plastic containers used for microwaving food.
§ Lipstick.
§ Air fresheners.
§ Dryer sheets.
§ Nail polish.
§ Some soaps.
§ Recycled plastics labelled 3,6 or 7.
