WARNING OVER PLASTICS USED IN TREATING PREMATURE BABIES (STA BREAKING NEWS and ARCHIVES)

by STANews , Saturday, November 15, 2014, 16:29

A study suggested babies may be exposed to high levels of a phthalate called DEHP in medical equipment.

US researchers have warned that premature babies are being exposed to high levels of a potentially dangerous chemical in plastics.

A study suggested babies may be exposed to high levels of a phthalate called DEHP in medical equipment.

Some US healthcare providers have banned the use of DEHP, and other products were available, the researchers said.

The UK is currently re-evaluating its position on phthalate use in devices.

Evidence on the safety of phthalates in humans has been inconclusive, but European regulators have classified DEHP as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Newborn babies in intensive care were in a high-risk population for exposure to DEHP, regulators said, because they were dependent on multiple medical devices.

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http://www.bbc.com/news/health-30034760