Pthalates in plastics associated with children's allergies

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Wed Oct 6, 2:32 PM ET

 

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Exposure to phthalates -- compounds used in

making plastics -- at levels commonly found indoors, appears to be

associated with allergic symptoms in children, according to Swedish

investigators.

 

" Although multiple factors likely are responsible for the increases in

allergies and asthma that have been documented in developed countries

over the past 30 years, " the authors note in the journal Environmental

Health Perspectives, " it is striking that these increases have occurred

during a period when plasticized products have become ubiquitous in the

homes, schools, and workplaces of the developed world. "

 

The team's findings come from study of 400 children in Sweden. About

half had persistent allergic symptoms and half did not. The researchers

evaluated each child as well as their home environment, which included a

measurement of phthalate levels in dust.

 

House dust samples from allergic subjects had higher levels of butyl

benzyl phthalate (BBzP) than those from non-allergic participants, lead

author Dr. Carl-Gustaf Bornehag, from Karlstad University in Sweden, and

colleagues report.

 

" Phthalates are all around us in a host of plastic products, " Dr. Jim

Burkhart, a science editor with journal, said in a statement. " This

study suggests that they may be having a direct influence on the health

of a great number of children. "

 

SOURCE: Environmental Health Perspectives, October 2004.