Beijing: Exposure to certain substances commonly found in personal care products such as soaps and shampoos and food packaging could be associated with increased risk of miscarriage, a new study has claimed, reports PTI. he study of more than 300 women suggested that exposure to certain phthalates – substances commonly used in food packaging, personal-care and other everyday products – could be associated with pregnancy loss, mostly between 5 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
The research is the first epidemiological study on non-work-related exposure to phthalates to provide evidence for the possible link among a general population. Out of concern over the potential health effects of phthalates, the US has banned six of these substances from use in certain products made for young children, researchers said. But many are still included as ingredients in paints, medical tubes, vinyl flooring, soaps, shampoos and other items.
