Autism linked to early exposure to a common plastic additive

Phthalates are added to PVC materials to make them more flexible.   (MiguelMalo/Getty Images Signature/Canva) –  By Mike McRae 2026 Sep 11 – Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is commonly added to plastics to make them more flexible. It may also affect genes that play a critical …

  Phthalates are added to PVC materials to make them more flexible.  (MiguelMalo/Getty Images Signature/Canva) – By Mike McRae 2026 Sep 11 – Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is commonly added to plastics to make them more flexible. It may also affect genes that play a critical …