TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Shower curtains, deodorant, and plastic food containers are part of everyday life, but researchers say they could be exposing people to harmful chemicals known as phthalates.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded the University of Arizona $2.8 million to study how phthalates affect human health, with the goal of blocking or reversing their effects. The funding will support researchers at the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences as they study how these chemicals disrupt hormones, particularly those related to reproductive health.
Phthalates can be found in a wide range of products, including perfume, nail polish, deodorant, cleaning supplies, and plastics. Although regulations have reduced the use of phthalates in products in recent years, researchers warn that many older or unlabeled products still pose a risk…