Link Between Autism and Vinyl Flooring
According to a new research, vinyl floors can emit chemicals called phthalates and children who live in homes which have them are more likely to have autism. The study found an apparent connection between an environmental chemical and autism. The scientists were surprised by their finding because their research was not designed to focus on autism. As part of research investigating allergies and indoor pollutants, families were asked questions about flooring as part of research. The scientists found that four environmental factors are associated with autism: mother’s smoking, condensation on windows, family economic problems and vinyl flooring.
Infants and toddlers who have lived in places with vinyl floors are twice likely to have autism five years later.
