Items from popular fast-food chains contain small amounts of certain chemicals in plastics that are believed to disrupt human hormones and possibly cause other serious health problems, a new study suggests. Researchers from George Washington University purchased 64 fast food items from outlets including McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Taco Bell, and Chipotle, and found 10 of 11 potentially harmful chemicals in the samples, including phthalates, and other plasticizers. Phthalates make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible and are used in vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, and automotive plastics. People can be exposed by eating and drinking foods and beverages that have been in contact with plastic containers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Phthalate levels are regulated in food in the European Union, but not in the United States. “We found phthalates and other plasticizers are widespread in prepared foods available at …