Illinois: A study has found that toxic chemicals found in lunch boxes and other household plastic containers increase the risk of uterine cancer.
The growth of these non-cancerous growths is a common occurrence that affects eight out of 10 women. These tumors are not harmful and often go unnoticed.
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But in 25 percent of cases, these tumors grow and can cause problems with infertility and miscarriage, which then require a complex operation to remove.
Researchers at Northwestern University examined 712 pre-menopausal women and their exposure to diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP). This chemical is used to reinforce plastics.
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Researchers found a strong association between high DEHP levels and the formation of large fibroids.
In one experiment, researchers found that DEHP activates a process that speeds up the growth of fibroid tumors.
Because DEHP has been classified as a reproductive toxin, which means it can cause infertility, it was banned under European law in 2015. But in America it is still used in many things.
DEHP is used to improve the elasticity and durability of plastics.