WebMD Medical News Laura J. Martin, MD Sept. 7, 2011 -- A
chemical found in a wide range of consumer products may be
harmful to children's mental and behavioral development and
muscular coordination, a study shows. The study is published in
Environmental Health Perspectives. Phthalates (pronounced thal-
ates) are used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They
are also used as solvents. The chemicals are used in products
that include car interiors, floor tiles, raincoats, nail polish
and other cosmetics, synthetic leathers, and food packaging. An
increasing number of studies show evidence that phthalates may
be harmful, particularly for young children. It is not clear how
they disrupt development. But some evidence suggests that the
chemicals may affect thyroid hormone levels. These hormone
levels play a key role in prenatal and newborn brain
development, according to the study. Phthalates may also reduce
the amount of testosterone produced in the body, says study
researcher Robin M. Whyatt, DrPH. Whyatt