Wednesday, 08 Jan 2020 07:05 AM MYT
NEW YORK, Jan 8 — New US research has found that exposure to the chemicals known as phthalates while pregnant may be linked with lower motor skills in girls. The team say these girls may have difficulty with their schoolwork, experience problems writing and using electronic devices, and may have problems with hand-eye coordination.Phthalates are used in many everyday products such as shampoo, make-up, household building materials, toys, medical devices and car interiors.
They are also able to cross the blood-placenta barrier and have previously been shown to alter the levels of thyroid hormones, which are essential for brain development, in particular the part of the brain which is partly responsible for coordination and fine-motor movements, and disrupt the neurons linked with the development of fine-motor skills, which develop earlier in girls than in boys.