A study showed that exposure to environmental hormones during pregnancy is highly likely to cause atopic dermatitis in babies after birth. A joint research team led by Professors Ahn Kang-mo, Kim Ji-hyun, and Jeong Min-young of the Department of Pediatrics at Samsung Seoul Hospital, and Professor Kim Byeong-eui of National Jewish Health in the U.S. analyzed the relationship between the concentration of phthalate metabolites in newborn urine and atopic dermatitis and published the article in the international academic journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma. & Immunology, IF=7.1) announced on the 8th that it was published in the latest issue. Phthalates are substances that make plastic flexible, and are widely used in toys, food packaging, and household goods. It is known as an environmental hormone that disrupts the human body's hormonal system. It can enter the body through food, breathing, or skin. During pregnancy, phthalates are passed through the placenta to the fetus, and phthalates are also detected in amniotic fluid, so the fetus may be continuously exposed during skin development. Phthalates that enter the body undergo a metabolic process and are passed through urine.