Would You Like Phthalates With Your Fries?

Foodies be warned: a new study has found that dining out may expose patrons to dangerous chemicals — more specifically, phthalates.

Phthalates are a variety of plastic that can be found in products like nail polish, shower curtains, gloves, or packaging. These chemicals can seep into food, and are known to disrupt hormones in the body. Researchers have also linked phthalates with breast cancer and fertility issues.

The newest study — conducted by the both the Universities of California Berkeley and San Francisco, in addition to George Washing University — found these levels to be “35 percent higher in those who regularly ate at restaurants, cafeterias and fast-food places,” reports the article.

Levels were highest in teenagers; those who dined out often had 55 percent higher levels than peers who ate home-cooked meals. Also among the most vulnerable: women and children.

While the reasons to eat in, rather than out, keep growing, the study’s results showed significant and under-recognized exposure to such chemicals.

Ami Zota, the study’s lead author, said that limiting exposure is up to policymakers. She also notes that home-cooked meals are shown to have less phthalates.