Phthalates, used in cosmetics and plastics, is harmful to children's health

Phthalates are used in many everyday products such as shampoo, makeup, household building materials, toys, medical devices and car interiors. -- AFP Relaxnews

New US research has found that exposure to the chemicals known as phthalates while pregnant may be linked with lower motor skills in girls.

Carried out by researchers at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH), the new study looked at 209 New York City women and their children, and measured seven phthalate metabolites in the mother's urine during the third trimester of pregnancy, then assessing the children's motor function at age 11.