The word "phthalate" is ludicrously difficult to spell for something that is absolutely ubiquitous. Because phthalates make plastic products more consistent and durable, the chemical can be found everywhere: in plumbing pipes and medical tubing, in soap and cosmetic products, in wood finishing and countless adhesives. Since the start of the century, at least 95 percent of the American population is confirmed to have phthalates coursing through their bodies.
Now, a recent study of unprecedented scope has revealed that phthalates are linked to childhood cancers.
