Your toddler may have up to 96 chemical substances lurking inside of them, scientists discover
The toxic chemicals your toddler is regularly exposed to
- A new analysis found 48 potentially harmful chemicals in over half of urine samples from more than 200 children aged two to four years old.
- The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, detected 96 chemicals in five children, testing for 111 substances including plastic-fortifying phthalates, pesticides, and parabens.
- Many of these chemicals are known or suspected to interfere with hormones, brain development, and immune function, with some linked to cancer.
- The analysis revealed that 34 chemicals were present in over 90 percent of the children, with higher levels observed in two-year-olds and racial and ethnic minority groups.
- Researchers emphasize the urgent need for expanded biomonitoring and stronger regulations to protect children, advising parents to limit exposure through safer products and improved hygiene.