Prenatal phthalate exposure associates with low regulatory T-cell numbers and atopic dermatitis in early childhood: Results from the LINA mother-child study

Phthalates serve as binders and plasticizers in everyday items, including cosmetics, household cleaners, food packaging, personal-care products, toys, and many other consumer products. Recent publications show that exposure to these chemicals may contribute to an increased risk of allergy development including asthma and atopic dermatitis.1,2 An immune modulatory capacity of these compounds is assumed but not fully elucidated by now.3 Epidemiological studies provide evidence that exposure to phthalates and their metabolites might be more critical in the prenatal period when the fetal immune system is developing.