By Alexandra Thompson Senior Health Reporter For Mailonline
Published: 01:00 BST, 21 May 2019 | Updated: 01:00 BST, 21 May 2019
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Exposure to chemicals found in shampoo, toys and floorboards may increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, research suggests.
A study found people with higher levels of the gender-bending chemicals phthalates in their urine were more likely to be obese or diabetic.
They also had dangerous amounts of fat in their bloodstream and showed signs of liver damage, which can cause metabolic disorders.
However, experts have hit back at the research, carried out by the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, saying there is 'not enough evidence' to support its conclusions.
Exposure to chemicals found in shampoo may increase our risk of obesity (stock)
Phthalates are additives used during the manufacturing of plastic. They have been detected in numerous everyday products, such as bottled water and perfume.
Concerns over their safety are already mounting, with three phthalates already being banned in toys manufactured in the EU.
The chemicals have been linked to infertility, obesity and impaired development, however, studies have largely been carried out on rodents.
To better understand how the chemicals affect human wellbeing, the researchers measured phthalate levels in the urine of 305 people.
Levels were compared against body weight, type 2 diabetes diagnoses, and markers of impaired liver function or poor metabolism.
Results revealed 66 of the participants had the chemical monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in their urine, while 72 had mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP).
Obese participants had higher levels of MEP, as well as
