from George Washington University
Chemicals called phthalates, used in food
packaging and preparation, are more
apparent in foods consumed in
restaurants and fast food outlets than in
food prepared at home. That is the
finding from a new study at George
Washington University. People who ate
out had phthalate levels thirty-five
percent higher than people who ate food
purchased mostly from grocery stores.
Phthalates are linked to fertility
problems, pregnancy complications and
other health issues. The study asked
more than ten thousand people to recall
what they ate and where in the previous
twenty-four hours. Levels of phthalates
were determined from urine samples.
Teens tended to have the highest
phthalate exposure, probably because
they consumed a lot of fast foods.