New Study Says Phthalates May Increase Cancer Risk in Children

New Study Says Phthalates May Increase Cancer Risk in Children
Container of Omeprazole in a warehouse of International Committee of the Red Cross in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 19, 2019. Carlos Becerra/Getty Images
Isabel van Brugen
Updated:

High concentrations of phthalates like that found in some medications may be linked to an increase in childhood cancer risk, a first-of-its-kind study from the University of Vermont Cancer Center suggests.

Phthalates, also known as the “everywhere chemical,” are used as inactive ingredients in some medications, but are more commonly found in several types of chemical in plastics that researchers are investigating for any potential disruptions to human hormones and other possible health problems. The chemical make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible and are used in vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, and automotive plastics.

Isabel van Brugen
Isabel van Brugen
Reporter
Isabel van Brugen is an award-winning journalist. She holds a master's in newspaper journalism from City, University of London.
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