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Plasticisers are a class of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible. They are found in a wide range of products, including food packaging, toys, and medical devices.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the potential health effects of plasticisers, particularly phthalates. Phthalates have been linked to a range of reproductive and developmental problems in both animals and humans.
A new study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, has found that phthalates can also impair normal brain function in vertebrates. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.
The researchers exposed zebrafish to different levels of phthalates. They then tested the fish's learning and memory abilities.
The results showed that fish exposed to phthalates had difficulty learning and remembering tasks. The researchers also found that phthalates altered the expression of genes involved in brain development.
This study provides further evidence of the potential hazards of phthalates. It suggests that exposure to phthalates may be contributing to the rising incidence of cognitive problems in children and adults.
More research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to determine the full extent of the health effects of phthalates. However, the study provides a strong warning about the potential dangers of these chemicals.
