Denver Pediatric Allergist: Don't Panic To New Study Linking Childhood Asthma To Phthalates

DENVER (CBS4)- A new study links a pregnant woman's exposure to some common household chemicals to their unborn child's risk of developing asthma.

The chemicals, called phthalates, are used in everything from fragrances to food containers. They are so widespread that exposure is virtually unavoidable.

"The prenatal period tends to be the great window of susceptibility, the time when the lungs are developing," said Dr. Robin Whyatt with the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health.

Researchers at Columbia University found a pregnant woman's exposure to high levels of two kinds of chemicals led to a 70 percent increased risk of her child being diagnosed with asthma between the ages of five and 11.

Phthalates are found in plastic containers and other items like shower curtains, vinyl flooring and synthetic fragrances.

"They are used both as plasticizers to make plastic flexible. They are also used to hold scent," said Whyatt.

The chemicals are generally not listed on product labels so it's difficult to avoid them completely.

"I would not panic about it just because of this study," said National Jewish Health pediatric allergist Dr. Nathan Rabinovitch. "I think it's really too early to make any specific recommendations based on this."

Those who want to lower their exposure should:

• Avoid plastics with the numbers 3, 6 and 7.
• Do not microwave food in plastic containers.
• Reduce use of scented products.

Phthalates have been banned in toys designed for young children.

The researchers at Columbia University said more needs to be done to protect children before they are born.

Rabinovitch believes more studies need to be done on the link between phthalates and asthma. He warns pregnant women that smoking while pregnant will increase the risk of newborns developing respiratory problems later in childhood.