They demonstrated a link between higher levels of these chemicals in urine and increases in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension in men.

Plastics are all around us. They are used in everything from tents to trains and are often part of the packaging that surrounds our food and drink products.

A study published this week in the journal Environmental Research takes a fresh look at the links between phthalates and long-term health.

The researchers involved are based at the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

The team was headed up by associate professor Zumin Shi, from the University of Adelaide's Medical School.