Pregnant women who are exposed to phthalates - chemicals found in contaminated food and water, some deodorants, lotions and perfumes - are at increased risk of preterm birth, compared with pregnant women who are not exposed to these chemicals. This is according to a study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used in plastics to make the material more durable. They are also used as solvents for other materials and can be found in hundreds of beauty products, including soaps, shampoos, hairsprays and nail polishes.

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