【原创】Children whose mothers were exposed to higher levels of phthalates(酞酸盐), common chemicals in consumer products, in late pregnancy tend to score lower than other kids on intelligence tests at age seven, according to a new study.
Some soaps, nail polish, hairspray, shower curtains, raincoats, car interiors and dryer sheets contain phthalates, which are used as so-called plasticizers, or softening agents.
At present, the Food and Drug Administration does not have evidence that phthalates as used in cosmetics pose a safety risk, but six types of phthalates are currently banned from children’s toys.
Researchers followed 328 New York women in low-income communities from pregnancy until the child was seven years old. When the children were seven, they completed an intelligence test measuring four areas of mental functioning. The mothers’ levels of two of the phthalates - DnBP and DiBP - during pregnancy were associated with childhood intelligence: As phthalate levels went up, child IQ tended to go down.
“With observational studies, there is always the chance that the results may be in part explained by an unmeasured factor that we haven’t yet considered,” said Stephanie Engel, associate professor of epidemiology（流行病）from the University of North Carolina.
“I would characterize this study as thorough and high quality, and the results concerning,” said Engel, who was not involved in the work. “But there needs to be more research in this area before firm conclusions can be drawn.”
“Nevertheless, It is clear that there needs to be a serious discussion in the scientific and policy communities about whether the evidence is strong enough yet to warrant widespread policy changes, not just on the basis of this study, but also including a range of childhood health outcomes that have already been reported in the literature,” Engel said.
“Although there are no regulations on phthalate exposure during pregnancy, it would be wise for expectant mothers to avoid microwaving food in plastic, avoid scented products, and as much as possible store foods in glass instead of plastic,” she said.
According to the passage, the new study is about ___________________________.

A．the interaction between a pregnant woman and her unborn baby

B．how phthalates taken in by a pregnant woman affect her baby

C．why children’s IQ is different at the age of seven

D．the usage of common chemical in consumer products

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A．Researchers chose 328 pregnant women at random to do the research

B．The FDA doesn’t think phthalates have any risks

C．There are two types of phthalates that may affect childhood intelligence

D．The researchers are very confident about their conclusions

What can you learn from the last but one paragraph?

A．The evidence is not strong enough to change the policy

B．The policy should be stricter

C．A serious discussion is needed based on this study

D．All studies about childhood health should be involved

This passage has probably been taken from _________.

A．a children’s book

B．a science report

C．a nutrition guidebook

D．a health notice board

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