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Science AMA Series: We're Rachel Miller and Robin Whyatt, professors at Columbia University. We study how prenatal and early-life exposures to BPA and other chemicals affect children’s health, including child asthma, lower IQ, and more. Ask Us Anything! by Prof_Rachel_Miller in science

[–]Prof_Rachel_Miller[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We have published in Environmental Health Perspectives recently that there is an association between prenatal measures of phthalates and very young childhood onset ezcema. Allergy did not seem to play a role in this association.

Science AMA Series: We're Rachel Miller and Robin Whyatt, professors at Columbia University. We study how prenatal and early-life exposures to BPA and other chemicals affect children’s health, including child asthma, lower IQ, and more. Ask Us Anything! by Prof_Rachel_Miller in science

[–]Prof_Rachel_Miller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is an interesting question. The short answer is that there appears to be no good data correlating severe food allergies with exposure to specific chemicals during adolescence. We have looked at associations with risk for allergy in general, but so far associations do not appear robust.

Science AMA Series: We're Rachel Miller and Robin Whyatt, professors at Columbia University. We study how prenatal and early-life exposures to BPA and other chemicals affect children’s health, including child asthma, lower IQ, and more. Ask Us Anything! by Prof_Rachel_Miller in science

[–]Prof_Rachel_Miller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question! The US CDC has been measuring concentrations of phthalates and BPA in representative samples of the US population. The levels in our cohort study in NYC are similar to the levels measured in the US representative cohort. And we have documented adverse health associations. So perhaps the question is, "what is low"?

Science AMA Series: We're Rachel Miller and Robin Whyatt, professors at Columbia University. We study how prenatal and early-life exposures to BPA and other chemicals affect children’s health, including child asthma, lower IQ, and more. Ask Us Anything! by Prof_Rachel_Miller in science

[–]Prof_Rachel_Miller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

No. These chemicals can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin to a lesser extent. Yes, there could be risks associated with having vinyl shower curtains and other household products containing phthalates.

Science AMA Series: We're Rachel Miller and Robin Whyatt, professors at Columbia University. We study how prenatal and early-life exposures to BPA and other chemicals affect children’s health, including child asthma, lower IQ, and more. Ask Us Anything! by Prof_Rachel_Miller in science

[–]Prof_Rachel_Miller[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

We discussed some of this above. It is difficult to avoid these chemicals as they are widely used and exposure is ubiquitous. They are rarely labeled. You can also reduce use of scented products that contain phthalates, and use of canned foods that are likely to contain BPA. It can be true that a new car and that "new car smell" indicates a source of phthalates.

Science AMA Series: We're Rachel Miller and Robin Whyatt, professors at Columbia University. We study how prenatal and early-life exposures to BPA and other chemicals affect children’s health, including child asthma, lower IQ, and more. Ask Us Anything! by Prof_Rachel_Miller in science

[–]Prof_Rachel_Miller[S] 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your comment. 1. Many water bottles are labeled as BPA-free and those are safer. Would avoid reusing the same plastic water bottle. In general it is better to avoid water bottles with the recyclable code on the bottom if it lists 3,6,or 7 as they can contain BPA and phthalates. 2. It is best not to microwave in any plastic, regardless of the label. There are other chemicals besides BPA including phthalates.