Blame plastic for baby battle

INFERTILITY: NEW EVIDENCE EMERGING

- Hein Kaiser

Phthalates, a group of chemicals used to soften and stabilise various plastics, are causing greater concern for their links to fertility problems and pregnancy complications.

These chemicals are found in food packaging, cosmetics and medical tubing among other everyday items.

Phthalates are absorbed into the body through food, when you breathe and skin contact. They have been detected in urine, blood, breast milk, amniotic fluid and semen.

Phthalates are synthetic compounds added to plastics to make them flexible, durable and easier to work with during manufacturing.

There are two kinds: DEHP, or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is used in medical products such as IV bags and tubing. DBP, or dibutyl phthalate, is found in cosmetics, nail polish, adhesives and ink.

There are others that are present in food packaging, toys, detergents and some medicines.

Because they are not chemically bound to the plastic, phthalates can separate from the plastic and leak out. This is why they are often found inside the human body.