Attention deficit after kids' critical illness linked to plasticizers in medical tubes
Friday, April 1, 2016 - 14:50
in Health & Medicine
Children who are often hospitalized in intensive care units are more likely to have attention deficit disorders later, and new research finds a possible culprit: a high level of plastic-softening chemicals called phthalates circulating in the blood. The researchers suggest these chemicals, which are added to indwelling medical devices such as plastic tubes and catheters, seep into the child's bloodstream.