NEW YORK - New research in the US has found that children whose mothers were exposed to phthalates in late pregnancy scored lower in intelligence tests undertaken the age of seven. In the textile industry, phthalates are a group of chemicals used as a softener for products that are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and products that require flexibility, such as bags and children's toys. Plastisol prints on garments may contain phthalates, which are used as lubricating oils, solvents, fixatives and detergents.
