P ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS

Those exposed to more endocrine-disrupting chemicals during the first trimester gave birth to children with lower IQs.

Being exposed to more of certain plastics, cosmetics and household cleaners during pregnancy is linked to lower IQ in children, research finds.

Those exposed to more endocrine-disrupting chemicals during the first trimester gave birth to children with lower IQs, as measured at 7-years-old, the study found.

The suspect chemicals include:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol F (BPF), a component of plastic containers used for food and drink.
• Pesticides.
• Phthalates, which are widely used in cosmetics, fragrances and household cleaners.

Both types of bisphenol — the original and the so-called ‘safer’ substitute — had the strongest link to lower IQ in children, researchers found.