DHAKA: Chemicals in make-up, perfume and plastic containers could be behind a surge in the incidence of asthma in children.

Researchers warned on Tuesday, reports the daily Mail.

Scientists have found that babies exposed to high levels of phthalates while in the womb are up to 78 percent more at risk of the condition.

The report said that the researchers think that the chemicals may be causing foetuses’ airways to become more sensitive, making them susceptible to asthma in their childhood years.

However, the academics are urging parents to reduce the risk by avoiding using plastic containers, perfume and heavily scented washing detergents.

Researchers at the University of Columbia in New York measured the level of two types of phthalates – butylbenzyl and di-n-butyl – in the urine of 300 pregnant women, report added.

The mothers were then given questionnaires when their children were aged five, six, seven, nine and 11 to determine if they had asthma symptoms.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found that children born to women with the highest levels of butylbenzyl phthalate were 72 percent more likely to develop asthma.

BDST: 1649 HRS, SEP 17, 2014