Researchers have found prenatal exposure to a chemical found in vinyl flooring, artificial leather and other materials may increase the risk for childhood eczema.
The chemical - a type of phthalate is slowly released into the air over time.
The study shows mothers who were exposed to higher concentrations of the chemical had children who were more than 50% more likely to develop eczema by age two.
Eczema can cause dry, itchy red skin on the face, scalp or extremities.
----
The number of people who died after contracting the H1N1 virus in 2009 could be at least 15 times higher than previously reported.
New research shows the death toll could actually be as high as 150,000 to 575,000 compared to the previously reported total of more than 18,000.
More than half of the deaths occurred in southeast Asia and Africa.
And most of those who died were people younger than 65 years old.
----
And a new study shows healthy adults exposed to ozone for two hours developed changes associated with cardiovascular problems.
The ailments included vascular inflammation, a reduced ability to dissolve blood clots and changes in the nervous system.
Ozone is created when pollutants react with sunlight.
The World Health Organization estimates two million people die every year because of exposure to air pollution.
